Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: How It Works, Explained Simply

Video Transcript

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common skin cancers. Both begin in keratinocytes, the main building cells of the epidermis, rather than in pigment cells. Basal cell carcinoma arises from the deepest layer of the epidermis. It often looks like a pearly or waxy bump, sometimes with a rolled border and fine visible vessels. It grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere in the body, but left alone it can destroy the tissue around it. Squamous cell carcinoma arises from cells higher up in the epidermis. It often appears as a firm red bump, a rough scaly patch, or a sore that will not heal. It tends to grow faster and, unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can spread if it is not treated. Both are strongly linked to cumulative ultraviolet exposure over a lifetime, so they appear most often on the head, neck, arms and hands. Both are usually treated by removing the cancer, and both are highly treatable when they are found early. Any sore that does not heal, or any spot that bleeds, crusts over and comes back, is worth having checked. This video is for general education only. It is not medical advice. Ask your doctor what's right for you.