Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma ?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It starts in the basal cells, which are found in the top layer of the skin. These cancers usually grow slowly and often appear on areas that get a lot of sun, such as the face, ears, scalp, neck, hands or arms.
Anyone can develop basal cell carcinoma, though it’s more common in adults with long-term sun or tanning bed exposure and lighter skin. If you have concerns—for yourself or someone you care about—LifeBridge Health’s skin cancer specialists can help explain the condition, review treatment options and guide next steps with care.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
Basal cell carcinoma can look different from person to person.
Common signs include:
- A waxy, skin-colored bump
- A shiny bump that may be pink, red, white or darker than the surrounding skin
- A raised growth with visible blood vessels
- A dark lesion (black, brown or blue)
- A flat, scaly area
- A white, scar-like growth
How Basal Cell Carcinoma is Diagnosed
Basal cell carcinoma is often identified during a skin exam. Your care team may use one or more steps to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Skin Exam
Your provider looks closely at the area and checks the rest of your skin for any other spots that may be concerning. They may ask when you first noticed the change and how it has grown or changed over time.
Skin Biopsy
A small sample of the spot is removed and examined under a microscope. This is the only way to confirm basal cell carcinoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options
Your care team works together across disciplines to recommend treatment options based on your cancer type, location, stage, overall health and personal preferences. For basal cell carcinoma, these options might include:
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for BCC. A surgeon removes the cancer along with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue. Depending on the case, this may include:
- Simple excision, where the spot is removed, and the area is closed with stitches
- Mohs surgery, which removes thin layers of tissue and examines each layer until no cancer cells remain
Most surgical treatments are outpatient procedures.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended when surgery is not the best option or in certain follow-up situations.
Topical or Local Treatments
Some small or early basal cell carcinomas may be treated with prescription creams or gels applied to the skin. Cryotherapy may also be used in some cases to freeze and destroy the lesion.
Targeted Therapy
For rare advanced or recurrent cases, medicines that target specific cancer pathways may be used. These treatments are managed by medical oncologists with experience in skin cancer care.
Immunotherapy
Also recommended in some advanced cases, immunotherapy uses medication to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.