Basal Cell Skin Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Basal Cell Skin Cancer?
A dermatologist (a skin doctor) usually treats basal cell skin cancer. Some people are treated by a surgeon who specializes in skin cancer, and a primary care doctor can check the skin first. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is basal cell skin cancer?
Basal cell skin cancer, also called basal cell carcinoma, is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It starts in the basal cell layer. That is the bottom layer of the epidermis, the outer skin layer.
It almost always grows slowly. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Most of these cancers are cured when treated early.
Symptoms
Basal cell cancer usually grows slowly and is often painless. It may not look that different from normal skin. A bump or growth may be:
- Pearly or waxy, white or light pink, flesh-colored, or brown.
- A red, scaly patch of skin.
You may also have:
- A skin sore that bleeds easily, or a sore that does not heal.
- Oozing or crusting spots in a sore.
- A scar-like sore without having injured the area.
- Irregular blood vessels in or around the spot.
- A sore with a sunken area in the middle.
Skin cancers occur most often in areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the nose, ears, lower lip, or top of the hands.
Causes and who gets it
Most basal cell cancers happen on skin that gets a lot of sunlight or other ultraviolet (UV) radiation. You are more likely to get it if you have:
- Light-colored or freckled skin, blue, green, or grey eyes, or blond or red hair.
- Many severe sunburns early in life, or long-term daily sun exposure.
- Many moles, or close relatives who have or had skin cancer.
- Overexposure to x-rays or other forms of radiation.
Other risk factors include smoking and a weakened immune system, such as taking medicines that suppress the immune system after an organ transplant. It is most common in people over age 50. Younger people with lots of sun exposure can get it too.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor checks the skin and looks at the size, shape, color, and texture of any odd spots. If skin cancer is possible, a skin biopsy is done. That means removing a piece of skin so a lab can check it under a microscope. A biopsy must be done to confirm basal cell cancer. The diagnosis cannot be based on appearance alone.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size, depth, and location of the cancer, and on your overall health. Options include:
- Excision: cutting out the cancer and stitching the skin.
- Mohs surgery: removing the skin layer by layer and checking each one under a microscope right away, until no cancer is left. It is usually used for cancers on the nose, ears, and other parts of the face.
- Curettage and electrodessication: scraping away cancer cells and using electricity to kill any that remain.
- Cryosurgery: freezing the cancer cells, which kills them.
- Skin creams with imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil, for cancers that are not large or deep.
- Photodynamic therapy: a light-activated chemical that kills cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy, if surgery is not possible.
For the rare cases that spread, chemotherapy or biologic therapies (immunotherapies) are used. Targeted medicines called vismodegib and sonidegib are used when the cancer cannot be treated with local therapy.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a sore or spot on your skin changes in appearance, color, size, or texture. Get care right away if a spot bleeds, swells, or starts to hurt. Left untreated, this cancer can spread into surrounding areas and nearby tissues and bone, so a sore that does not heal should not be ignored.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can check a changing spot, arrange a biopsy, and keep watching your skin after treatment. They can also refer you to a dermatologist or a skin cancer surgeon.
Common questions
Is basal cell skin cancer serious?
It rarely spreads to other parts of the body, so it is usually not life-threatening. But left untreated, it can grow into nearby skin, tissue, and bone. Most of these cancers are cured when treated early.
Where does it usually appear?
Skin cancers occur most often in areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the nose, ears, lower lip, or top of the hands. They can also show up on other areas of the body.
Can basal cell skin cancer come back?
Yes, some basal cell cancers return in the same location. Smaller ones are less likely to come back.
How can I lower my risk?
Reduce your exposure to sunlight. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even for a short time outdoors, and wear wide-brim hats and long sleeves. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and do not use sun lamps or tanning beds.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Basal cell skin cancer: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ) Patient Version
- National Cancer Institute - Skin Cancer (Including Melanoma) Patient Version
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
