This tumor of the skin usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck and hands. Occcasionally these nodules may appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths.

Basal cell carcinomas seldom occur in dark-skinned persons; they are the most common skin cancers found in Caucasians. It has been found that people who have this cancer frequently have light hair, eyes and complexions, and they don't tan easily.

These tumors don't spread quickly. It may take many months or years for one to reach a diameter of one half inch. Untreated, the cancer will begin to bleed, crust over, then repeat the cycle.

Although this type of cancer rarely metastasizes (spread to other parts of the body), it can extend below the skin to the bone and cause considerable local damage.

Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma depends on its size, type and location. Most ill defined basal cells on the face are treated with MOHS Micrographic Surgery, which is the most successful therapy for eradicating these lesions.

Other treatment modalities include Liquid Nitrogen, Excision, Electro-dessication and curettage and radiation therapy.