SKIN CANCERS & CONDITIONS
Superficial basal cell carcinoma
Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) is a common and relatively minor skin cancer affecting the top layers of skin.
- Often resembles a rash
- Sometimes appears as a non-healing sore
- Inexpensive and low-scarring treatments available
Superficial BCC usually appears as rough or dry pink or red patch. It often resembles a small patch of dermatitis, and is often present for months or even years before diagnosis.
How is superficial basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?
Sometimes it is ulcerated or eroded, and may bleed intermittently. In many cases, a doctor will suspect a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma from a history of a “sore” that hasn’t healed after many months.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
Superficial basal cell carcinoma on the upper arm
Eroded superficial basal cell carcinoma
Flat, ipnk superficial basal cell carcinoma
Risk factors
Risk factors for superficial basal cell carcinoma include:
- Ultraviolet exposure, particularly long term exposure to sunlight (e.g. occupational exposure, working outside). Cumulative sun exposure increases the risk and BCC is therefore more common with increasing age.
- Previous history of basal cell carcinoma or other skin cancers.
- Occupational or other exposure to arc welding or arsenic.
- Radiotherapy.
Prognosis
Superficial basal cell carcinoma rarely causes significant medical problems. If untreated, it tends to persist as a sore, ulcerated or crusted patch that does not heal or improve.
It grows slowly and remains confined to its initial site without spreading to other organs. It may form an ulcer (sore) which bleeds or forms a scab or crust.
Treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma
As with other types of basal cell carcinoma, superficial BCC is most effectively treated with surgical excision. Other non-surgical treatments include photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy and imiquimod cream.
Because it is a shallow cancer, it can be treated with a range of non-surgical techniques, which may have advantages over surgical removal in some circumstances.
Prevention of superficial basal cell carcinoma
Avoid excessive ultraviolet exposure. Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, protective clothing and seek shade when the ultraviolet index is greater than 3. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3): 500 mg twice daily significantly reduces the risk of future basal cell carcinoma.
“Nicotinamide (vitamin B3): 500 mg twice daily significantly reduces the risk of future basal cell carcinoma.”
Note: Recent evidence (March 2024) suggests that excessive doses of vitamin B3 may potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in some people. For this reason, we don’t routinely recommend vitamin B3 supplementation to reduce basal cell carcinoma risk—the decision to take vitamin B3 should be considered carefully, balancing the risks of both BCC and cardiovascular disease.
There is some evidence that fractional laser treatment and the anti-diabetes medication metformin can reduce basal cell carcinoma risk.
Treatments for superficial basal cell carcinoma
Concerned about a superficial basal cell carcinoma?
A superficial basal cell carcinoma detected at skin cancer checks tend to be diagnosed earlier and are easier to treat.
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