Basal cell skin cancer: Dermatologist explains how it can be mistaken for a harmless pimple and shares how to identify the difference |

Basal cell skin cancer can be easily mistaken for something so harmless as a pimple. This is why understanding even the most subtle signs can be life saving. Highlighting the same, board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu shared an Instagram video and explained how one of the most malignant cancers can disguise itself as a minor skin issue.

What is Basal cell skin cancer

Dr. Jenny says Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer.According to Mayo Clinic, basal cell carcinoma begins in the skin cells called basal cells. The basal cells make new skin cells as old ones die off.

What causes basal cell skin cancer

Basal cells are found at the bottom of the outermost layer of skin, which is called the epidermis. Basal cell carcinoma starts in basal cells in the skin. Basal cells create new skin cells. As new skin cells form, they push older cells toward the skin’s surface, where the old cells die and are sloughed off, notes Mayo Clinic.

How it can be mistaken for a pimple

Dr Jenny explains that basal cell skin cancer can appear as a flesh colored pearl like bump, and some can mistake it for a pimple or a pinkish patch of skin. Dr. Jenny Liu adds that basal cell skin cancer is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas like the head, arms or upper body. However, it can also be found on the chest, abdomen, private parts and lower legs.

How to know the difference

According to Dr Jenny Liu, these are warning signs that it may not be a pimple but basal skin cell carcinoma:

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as medical advice. Only a professional can diagnose the real cause.