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Basal cell carcinoma

Source: Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: May 1, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.

Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.

Context: Stages of Skin Cancer / Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer or other skin condition diagnosed:

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, most often the nose. Often this cancer appears as a raised bump that looks smooth and pearly. A less common type looks like a scar or it is flat and firm and may be skin-colored, yellow, or waxy. Basal cell carcinoma may spread to tissues around the cancer, but it usually does not spread to other parts of the body.

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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice