Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of cancer. It affects a little less than 1 million people in the US annually. This type of skin cancer usually appears as a pinkish or skin colored bump with overlying red blood vessels. It can also appear as a non-healing sore that bleeds or scabs, or a "new mole." They key to diagnosing a BCC is performing a skin biopsy. Like most skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions, damaging UV rays from the sun plays a big role in the development of BCC. Fortunately, most BCCs are easily treated and do not change the life expectancy of the patient because they very rarely metastasize (or spread to the rest of the body). They do, however, need prompt and effective treatment, usually surgical, to prevent local spread and damage to surrounding tissues. Therefore, anyone with any new bumps, bleeding spots, or non healing sores, or anyone with a history of extensive sun exposure should be examined carefully for skin cancers.
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