--- description: See basal cell carcinoma pictures by stage. Learn the early warning signs and symptoms of BCC and how to spot this skin cancer early. title: Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/basal-cell-carcinoma-1-shiny-bump.png --- [Home](https://www.skincancer.org/) › [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) › [Basal Cell Carcinoma](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/) › Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images Translation:   [![]()](https://skincancer.org/international/le-carcinome-basocellulaire/#warning)  [![]()](https://skincancer.org/international/basalzellkarzinom/#warning)  [![]()](https://skincancer.org/international/il-carcinoma-basocellulare/#warning)   [![]()](https://skincancer.org/international/carcinoma-basocelular/) [En Espanol](https://www.skincancer.org/international/el-carcinoma-basocelular-carcinoma-de-celulas-basales/#warning) # Basal Cell Carcinoma
Warning Signs & Symptoms ## What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like? Understanding what basal cell carcinoma (BCC) looks like is important. With early detection and treatment, almost all basal cell skin cancers can be successfully removed without complications. Look out for BCC warning signs, including new, changing or unusual skin growths, so you can spot skin cancers early, when they are easiest to treat and cure. - [How to spot a BCC: five warning signs](#five) - [BCCs can be tricky](#tricky) - [Identifying BCC](#identify) - [What you can do](#do) - [Rare skin cancers](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/rare-skin-cancers/) - [Skin cancer pictures](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-pictures/) - [Skin Cancer Awareness Toolkit](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/toolkit/) - [More BCC images](#moreimg) [Overview](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/ "Basal Cell Carcinoma") [Risk Factors](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors/ "Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors") [Treatment](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-treatment-options/ "Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment") ### How to spot a BCC: five warning signs Check for BCCs where your skin is most exposed to the sun, especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, shoulders and back, but remember that they can occur anywhere on the body. Frequently, two or more of these warning signs and symptoms are apparent in a BCC tumor. 1. **An open sore that does not heal**, and may bleed, ooze or crust. The sore might persist for weeks, or appear to heal and then come back. 2. **A reddish patch or irritated area**, on the face, chest, shoulder, arm or leg that may crust, itch, hurt or cause no discomfort. 3. **A shiny bump or nodule** that is pearly or clear, pink, red or white. The bump can also be pigmented (tan, black or brown), especially in [people of color](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/), and can be mistaken for a normal mole. 4. **A small pink growth** with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center that may develop tiny surface blood vessels over time. 5. **A scar-like area** that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color. The skin appears shiny and taut, often with poorly defined borders. This warning sign may indicate an [invasive BCC](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/when-a-common-skin-cancer-advances/). ***Basal cell carcinoma pictures.** Please note: Since not all BCCs have the same appearance, these images serve as a general reference to what basal cell carcinoma looks like.* ![picture open sore on the skin basal cell carcinoma]() An open sore that does not heal ![reddish patch on man's forehead basal cell carcinoma]() A reddish patch or irritated area ![picture shiny bump on woman's face]() A shiny bump or nodule ![picture white scar man forehead basal cell carcinoma]() A scar-like area that is flat white, yellow or waxy in color ![pink growth bcc]() A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center ![A basal cell carcinoma may be pigmented, like this one, on skin of color.]() A basal cell carcinoma may be pigmented on skin of color. Photo: Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH ### BCCs can be tricky Keep in mind that BCCs can look different from the pictures and descriptions above. In some people, BCCs resemble noncancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. In [ people with darker skin](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/), about half of BCCs are pigmented (meaning brown in color). **When in doubt, check it out.** Follow your instincts and visit your dermatologist if you see anything** new, changing or unusual **on your skin. *A basal cell carcinoma may be pigmented, like this one, on skin of color.  Photo courtesy of Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH* ![A basal cell carcinoma may be pigmented, like this one, on skin of color.](<> "BCC_pigmented_Fitz_type_4_jpg_Bwr4Nu1C") ### Identifying Basal Cell Carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can look like a pearly, translucent bump with tiny visible blood vessels, a rolled border or a sore that bleeds and won’t heal. Several harmless growths and other skin cancers share those features. Only a dermatologist’s exam — and a [biopsy](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/you-need-a-biopsy-now-what-happens-part-1/) — can confirm it. Conditions commonly mistaken for BCC include: - Fibrous papule — A benign, firm, shiny bump usually on the nose. Unlike BCC, it stays the same for years and doesn’t bleed, ulcerate or show surface blood vessels. - Sebaceous hyperplasia — Soft, yellowish bumps with a central dimple, often in multiples. The yellow tone and central dip set it apart from a single, pearly BCC. - [Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/) — Also a skin cancer, but typically rough, scaly or crusted rather than smooth and pearly. Either warrants prompt evaluation;  a biopsy can tell them apart. - [Melanoma](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/) — A pigmented BCC can mimic melanoma. Melanoma often shows the ABCDE signs while a pigmented BCC can remain shiny or pearly. Any dark or changing spot needs prompt evaluation. Bottom line: these can’t be told apart by sight alone — if a spot is new, changing unusual or won’t heal, have a [dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/) check it. ### What you can do If you’ve already had a BCC, you are more likely to develop another, especially in the same sun-damaged area or nearby. A BCC can recur even when it has been carefully removed the first time, because some cancer cells may remain undetectable after surgery and others can form roots that extend beyond what’s visible. BCCs on the nose, ears and lips are more likely to recur, usually within the first two years after surgery. Here’s what you can do to detect a recurrence and prevent further skin damage that can lead to cancer: - **Be on the lookout:** Pay particular attention to any previously treated site, note changes and consult with your dermatologist. If the BCC does return, your doctor may recommend a different type of [treatment](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-treatment-options/), such as [Mohs surgery](http://skincancer.org/treatment-resources/mohs-surgery/), a highly effective way to prevent and treat recurrences. - **Check yourself head to toe:** Look for new or changing lesions that grow, bleed or do not heal. Learn [how to check your skin](http://skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/). - **See your dermatologist annually** for a [professional skin exam](http://skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/). Self-exams do not take the place of a specialist who is skilled at identifying and treating abnormal skin growths. - **Follow up:** If you’ve already had either BCC or [squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/), or a precancer like [actinic keratosis](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/), be sure to see your doctor at recommended intervals. - **Be sun-safe every day of the year:** Avoid unprotected UV exposure, seek the shade, especially when the sun is strongest and use a [broad-spectrum sunscreen](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/), a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Safeguarding yourself every day is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Get more [skin cancer prevention guidelines](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/). ### More BCC images - ![](<> "Basal cell carcinoma, shiny bump above upper lip") Basal cell carcinoma, shiny bump above upper lip Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Basal cell carcinoma") Basal cell carcinoma Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Large basal cell carcinoma") Large basal cell carcinoma Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Basal cell carcinoma on ear") Basal cell carcinoma on ear Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Large basal cell carcinoma on scalp") Large basal cell carcinoma on scalp Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Pigmented basal cell carcinoma on scalp") Pigmented basal cell carcinoma on scalp Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Pigmented basal cell carcinoma on cheek") Pigmented basal cell carcinoma on cheek Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Basal cell carcinoma - shiny bump") Basal cell carcinoma - shiny bump Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Basal cell carcinoma - a sore that does not heal") Basal cell carcinoma - a sore that does not heal Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Basal cell carcinoma on cheek") Basal cell carcinoma on cheek Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Large, pigmented basal cell carcinoma") Large, pigmented basal cell carcinoma Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. - ![](<> "Basal cell carcinoma - a red, irritated patch") Basal cell carcinoma - a red, irritated patch Photo credit: Richard P. Usatine, MD. ***Reviewed by:** * *Julie K. Karen, MD **Ronald L. Moy, MD * ##### [Sign up to receive our newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/newsletter/) This section is made possible with support from [![Regeneron]()](https://www.regeneron.com/) ## Sun & Skin News [Ask The Expert: How to Apply Sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-to-apply-sunscreen/)![Woman applying sunscreen, Maldives]() [Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/) [Healthy Lifestyle](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/healthy-lifestyle/) ### [Ask The Expert: How to Apply Sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-how-to-apply-sunscreen/) [Ask the Expert: Best Advice for a First-Time Skin Cancer Diagnosis?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-best-advice-for-a-first-time-skin-cancer-diagnosis/)![You've just been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. Now what? First, do not panic. You’re not alone, and you’re going to be OK. Skin cancer is very common — more common than all other forms of cancer combined. Here's advice from our medical expert about what to do next.]() [Ask the Expert](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/ask-the-expert/) ### [Ask the Expert: Best Advice for a First-Time Skin Cancer Diagnosis?](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-best-advice-for-a-first-time-skin-cancer-diagnosis/) [Sam Champion’s Skin Cancer Journey: A Wake-Up Call for Regular Skin Exams](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sam-champions-skin-cancer-journey-a-wake-up-call-for-regular-skin-exams/)![Good Morning America host and weather anchor Sam Champion is no stranger to skin cancer. After his first bout with the disease at age 26, Sam has had multiple skin cancers removed and is familiar with the warning signs of the disease. But even he was surprised by the appearance of his most recent basal cell carcinoma (BCC), so he’s speaking up about the importance of regular skin exams, getting to know your skin and trusting your instincts.]() [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/skin-cancer-information/) [This Is Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/true-stories/) ### [Sam Champion’s Skin Cancer Journey: A Wake-Up Call for Regular Skin Exams](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sam-champions-skin-cancer-journey-a-wake-up-call-for-regular-skin-exams/) Last updated: October 2026 Open menu Menu Close menu SearchSearch ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-warning-signs-images\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-warning-signs-images\/","name":"Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs, Symptoms & Pictures - The Skin Cancer Foundation","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-warning-signs-images\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/basal-cell-carcinoma\/bcc-warning-signs-images\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/basal-cell-carcinoma-1-shiny-bump.png","datePublished":"2019-06-06T17:19:18+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-28T16:53:10+00:00","description":"See basal cell carcinoma pictures by stage. 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(3) A shiny bump or nodule that is pearly or clear, pink, red, or white — or pigmented (tan, black, or brown), especially in people of color, where it can be mistaken for a normal mole. (4) A small pink growth with a slightly raised, rolled edge and a crusted indentation in the center that may develop tiny surface blood vessels over time. (5) A scar-like area that is flat, white, yellow, or waxy with shiny, taut skin and often poorly defined borders — this may indicate an invasive BCC." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does basal cell carcinoma look like on darker skin tones?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In people with darker skin tones, about half of basal cell carcinomas are pigmented — meaning they appear brown, tan, or black rather than the pink or pearly color typical on lighter skin. This pigmented presentation can be easily mistaken for a normal mole. Because BCCs on darker skin can look quite different from standard reference photos, anyone with a darker skin tone who notices a new, changing, or unusual spot — regardless of its color — should have it evaluated by a dermatologist. BCC can and does affect people of all skin tones." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can basal cell carcinoma be mistaken for another skin condition?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. BCCs can look different from standard photos and descriptions, and in some people they resemble noncancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or a scar. Because BCCs vary widely in appearance — from open sores to shiny bumps to flat waxy patches — they can be difficult to identify without professional evaluation. The key principle is: when in doubt, check it out. If you notice anything new, changing, or unusual on your skin, even if it looks like something benign, visit your dermatologist for a professional assessment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where on the body does basal cell carcinoma usually appear?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "BCCs most commonly appear on sun-exposed areas of the body — particularly the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, shoulders, and back. The nose, ears, and lips are locations where BCCs are especially prone to recurrence after treatment. However, BCCs can occur anywhere on the body, including areas with less sun exposure, so a full-body self-exam is important rather than checking only the most sun-exposed areas." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can basal cell carcinoma come back after treatment?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. A BCC can recur even when it has been carefully removed, because some cancer cells may remain undetectable after surgery, and others can form roots that extend beyond what is visible. BCCs on the nose, ears, and lips are more likely to recur, usually within the first two years after surgery. If you have previously had a BCC, you are also at increased risk of developing additional BCCs in the same sun-damaged area or elsewhere on the body. If a BCC does return, your doctor may recommend a different treatment such as Mohs surgery, which is a highly effective approach for recurrent tumors." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should I do after being treated for basal cell carcinoma?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After BCC treatment, ongoing vigilance is essential. Pay close attention to any previously treated site and report changes to your dermatologist promptly. Perform a thorough head-to-toe skin self-exam monthly, watching for new or changing lesions that grow, bleed, or do not heal. See your dermatologist at least once a year for a professional full-body skin exam — self-exams do not replace specialist evaluation. Follow your doctor's recommended follow-up schedule. If you have had BCC, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or a precancer such as actinic keratosis, regular monitoring is especially important. Practice sun-safe habits every day: seek shade, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use UV-blocking sunglasses." } } ] } ```