What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

Most often it looks like a raised growth on the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology says most people develop a firm, round, raised growth on their skin.

A shiny, pearly bump

The Skin Cancer Foundation lists a shiny bump or nodule that is pearly or clear, pink, red or white. You do not need training to notice a spot like that. You only need to know your own skin well enough to see something new.

Checking your skin in good light

The cheapest step is to check your skin now and then in good light. Photos on a reputable page can help you compare. The American Academy of Dermatology page on basal cell carcinoma walks through symptoms and treatments. DermNet's page covers symptoms, causes and treatment too.

What a picture cannot do

A page cannot tell you whether the spot on your arm is the same thing. Only a clinician can judge that. The NHS page on non-melanoma skin cancer puts this type in the larger group it belongs to, which makes the terms less confusing.

Growths that are new, lasting or changing

Have a clinician look at any growth that is new, that does not go away, or that changes. This site is based in Madera and writes for the whole county, with pages of its own for Madera Acres and Fairmead.

How to check your skin at home

Once you know what to look for, the next question is how to check your skin for cancer at home. A separate guide here walks through that home check.