Disease directory

Basal cell carcinoma

Published: September 18, 2026Updated: September 18, 2026

Important: Informational content intended for healthcare professionals. It does not replace clinical evaluation or establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Section

Overview

Sections

Overview

Definition and synonyms
- Malignant neoplasm of basaloid keratinocytes , derived from the epidermal basal layer/follicle-sebaceous units, with low metastatic potential but high capacity for local invasion . Marzuka 2015 , Fania 2020
- It represents approximately 70–80% of non-melanoma skin cancers and is the most common cancer in humans. Verkouteren 2017 , Chinem 2011
- Synonyms: basal cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma , basal cell epithelioma
History
- Probably described as “ulcus rodens” by Jacob (1827); the term basal cell carcinoma was consolidated at the beginning of the 20th century (Krompecher) based on its basaloid morphology. Marzuka 2015 , Seidl-Philipp 2021
Epidemiology
- Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in people with fair skin; its incidence is increasing globally, with a marked impact on healthcare costs . (Verkouteren 2017 , Naik 2022 , Seidl-Philipp 2021)
- Peak in those over 60 years of age, but an increase is observed in those under 50 years of age due to recreational sun exposure. Chinem 2011 , Fania 2020
- More frequent in males and in phototypes I–II (Fitzpatrick), although the sex gap is narrowing in recent cohorts. Verkouteren 2017
- Typical location: head and neck (~80%) , followed by trunk (especially in superficial forms). Marzuka 2015 , Naik 2022
ICD-10 / ICD-11 Codes
- ICD-10 : coded as non-melanoma skin carcinoma by location:
  - C44.0–C44.9 (by anatomical site).
  - Common example: C44.91 – basal cell carcinoma of the skin, unspecified (some systems use C44.91/C44.910).
- ICD-11 : group 2C30 – basal cell carcinoma of the skin ; base code: 2C30.0 basal cell carcinoma of the skin , with extensions by location.

Quick diagnostic checklist (rapid)
- Essential clinic
  - Location (H-zone vs no), size, evolution time.
  - Morphology: nodular, superficial, morpheic/infiltrative, pigmented, ulcerated.
  - Background: prior radiation, immunosuppression, history of multiple BCCs/genodermatoses.
- Minimum supplementary examinations
  - Dermatoscopy
  - Imaging (ultrasound/MRI/CT) only if deep invasion or locally advanced BCC is suspected
- Biopsy
  - Guy:
    - Small, low-risk lesion → diagnostic excision with margin.
    - Facial lesion, suspected aggressive subtype or large tumor → deep incisional punch at active edge.
  - Fixation: 10% formalin (except for Mohs sample).