Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in humans and also the most common skin cancer. It consists of small bumps or nodules that are usually the same color as normal skin (sometimes they are pigmented, brown, or grayish, resembling moles), which may or may not have an ulcerated area and normally appear in areas exposed to the sun (although not always). They can take on very different appearances, as you can see in these photos.
The term cancer tends to be quite frightening, but in the case of basal cell carcinoma, in most cases it does not have significant repercussions, as is the case with other malignant tumors. Fortunately, basal cell carcinoma grows locally, that is, only in the area where it appears on the skin, and does not spread to other parts of the body or internal organs. In any case, it must be treated in all cases, because if it grows, it can ulcerate or invade “delicate” areas, destroying the area where it is located (for example, if it is close to the eyes, it can affect some of their structures, or similarly in the nose, where it can damage the cartilage by invading deeply).
It is common to consult a dermatologist in time, and it is very rare for basal cell carcinoma to have fatal consequences.
In another post, I will discuss the options we have for treating basal cell carcinomas, which in the vast majority of cases can be cured :).
