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Basal Cell Carcinoma Directory
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer in the U.S. These cancers almost never spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. They can, however, cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissue. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun's damaging effects begin at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood in order to prevent skin cancer later in life. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how a basal cell carcinoma is contracted, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure
WebMD explains how sun exposure ages the skin and raises the risk for skin cancer. Learn more about protecting yourself.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
Learn more from WebMD about the symptoms of skin cancer.
An Overview of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers. WebMD explains the different types, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Learn more from WebMD about basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention techniques.
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Slideshows & Images
Picture of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancer in the U.S. These cancers almost never spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
Picture of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have been linked to chronic sun exposure, typically in fair-skinned people who work outside. Melanoma is associated with infrequent but excessive sunbathing that causes scorching sunburn.
What Really Happens When You Get a Sunburn?
From sunburn to wrinkles to skin cancer, including melanoma, see how getting too much sun can take a toll on your skin.
Precancerous Skin Lesions and Skin Cancer
Like many cancers, skin cancers -- including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma -- start as precancerous lesions. These precancerous lesions are changes in skin that are not cancer, but could become cancer over time. Learn to spot the early warning signs of skin cancer. It can be cured if it's found and treated early.