Basal Cell Carcinoma Affects 1 in 5 U.S. Adults, Often Masquerading as Dry Skin

3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 16

1 in 5 U.S. adults will develop basal cell carcinoma, doctors said, and the cancer often first appears as a small pink bump, sore or flaky patch that can be mistaken for eczema, dry skin or a healing pimple.
2 to 3 millimeters a year is its typical growth rate, and while it rarely spreads, dermatologists warn it can burrow into nearby tissue—especially on the nose, ears, scalp, neck, arms and hands—making early checks important.
98% to 99% is the cure rate for certain types, with treatment ranging from prescription creams and scraping procedures to Mohs surgery, which removes tissue layer by layer until margins are clear.
SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen, hats and regular skin exams are the main prevention steps; higher-risk patients may also be advised to consider nicotinamide or photodynamic therapy with a doctor.