Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in aging adults often shows up as changes on the skin that might seem minor at first but gradually become more noticeable or persistent. The most common signs include small, shiny bumps that look pearly or waxy, sometimes with tiny visible blood vessels. These bumps can be pink, red, or even slightly darker in color. They often appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, arms, and legs. Sometimes, BCC looks like an open sore that doesn’t heal, bleeds occasionally, or crusts over repeatedly. Other times, it may resemble a flat, scar-like patch that feels firm or pale compared to the surrounding skin.
In older adults, these lesions might be mistaken for harmless skin changes such as age spots or scars, but unlike typical age-related marks, BCC lesions tend to persist, grow slowly, or change over time. They may start as a small red patch or a pink growth with raised edges. Over months or years, some BCCs develop a central depression or ulceration, which can look like a sore that won’t heal. This ulcer can sometimes bleed or ooze clear fluid. The edges of the lesion might be rolled or pearly, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Another sign to watch for is a reddish patch that looks like a rough, scaly area, which may feel slightly raised and can be mistaken for eczema or psoriasis. These patches can be tender or itchy but often cause no pain. In some cases, BCC can appear as a shiny bump with darker spots or areas, which might confuse people into thinking it’s a mole or other benign skin growth.
Because basal cell carcinoma is caused mainly by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, it is more common in older adults who have had many years of sun exposure. People with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and blond or red hair are at higher risk. Men tend to develop BCC more often than women, possibly due to more outdoor work or sun exposure over their lifetime.
It’s important to note that BCC usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but if left untreated, it can cause significant local damage. It can invade surrounding tissues, leading to disfigurement, especially on the face, ears, or around the eyes. In rare cases, aggressive forms of BCC can develop, which require prompt medical attention.
Because BCC lesions often don’t hurt, many aging adults might ignore them or attribute them to normal aging or minor skin injuries. However, any persistent sore, bump, or patch that doesn’t heal within a few weeks, or that changes in size, shape, or color, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications.
In summary, the signs of basal cell carcinoma in aging adults include:
– Small, shiny, pearly or waxy bumps, often with visible tiny blood vessels.
– Open sores that bleed, crust, or fail to heal.
– Pink or red growths with raised edges.
– Flat, scar-like patches that are firm or pale.
– Reddish, rough, scaly patches that may be mistaken for other skin conditions.
– Lesions that persist, grow slowly, or change over time.
– Occurrence mainly on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, arms, and legs.
Because these signs can be subtle and easily confused with other skin changes common in older adults, regular skin checks and prompt consultation with a dermatologist are essential for anyone noticing unusual or persistent skin changes.