Basal cell cancer

Alternative names:

cancer of the skin (basal cell); rodent ulcer; skin cancer - basal cell

Prevention:

Minimize sun exposure. In the sun, protect the skin: wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants. Ultraviolet light is most intense at midday, so try to avoid exposure during these hours. Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15. Apply sunscreen at least a half hour before exposure, and reapply it frequently. Use sunscreen in winter, too.

Examine the skin regularly for development of suspicious growths or changes in an existing skin lesion. A new growth that ulcerates, bleeds easily, or is slow to heal is suspicious. Suspicious changes in existing growths include change in color, size, texture, appearance, or the development of pain, inflammation, bleeding or itching.