The skin is the body’s largest organ. Cancer that develops in the skin is known as skin cancer. Skin cancer can be divided into two major categories – non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma are the more common cancers of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer and the most common form of cancer in general.

The skin is composed of three layers:

• Epidermis (upper layer)
• Dermis (middle layer)
• Subcutaneous (the deepest layer)

Skin cancer develops in the cells of the epidermis. Cancer that develops in the basal cells of the epidermis is known as basal cell carcinoma. It occurs most often on the nose, but can also develop on other areas of the face, as well as the ears, neck, chest, back and scalp. Less commonly, it can develop on other areas of the skin.

There are numerous subtypes of basal cell carcinoma that can cause a variety of changes in the appearance of the skin. The disease most often appears as flat, pale areas or raised pink or red, translucent, waxy areas. The cancerous growth may bleed after minor injury. Patients experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to contact a dermatologist (a physician specializing in diseases of the skin) for examination of the suspected area.  A biopsy of the area may be necessary to diagnose the disease.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that approximately 75 percent of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. The disease most commonly occurs in people over the age of 40 and is much more common in men. Sun exposure is the leading cause of the basal cell carcinoma. Therefore, protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays is the best way to prevent the disease.

Although basal cell carcinoma is common, its cure rate is very high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 95 percent of basal cell carcinomas can be cured when detected early. Finding the disease early is important because left untreated, it can invade neighboring areas, resulting in deformity or decreasing the function of the affected body parts (e.g., eyelid, nose or ear). A variety of methods may be used to treat basal cell carcinoma, including removing the cancer cells, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.