Basal Cell Carcinoma: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps:

  • General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore:
    • Inspection (viewing).
      • Skin and mucous membranes [due tosymptoms:
        • Ulcero-nodular forms
          • Inconspicuous, usually flat raised yellowish-reddish papules (Latin: papula “vesicle” or nodule) bordered by a bead-like rim with telangiectasia (small blood vessels) shining through on their surface
          • In advanced forms, erosions (superficial substance defects confined to the epidermis, without scarring)/ulcerations (ulcerations) may occur on these changes; raised border area, often with central ulceration
        • Furthermore, the following other forms of basal cell carcinoma may occur:
          • Sclerodermiform basal cell carcinoma – similar to scarring (whitish and atrophic).
          • Superficial basal cell carcinoma – erythematous (“accompanied by skin redness”), often multiple macules (spots) or plaques (“plate-like” substance proliferation of the skin elevating above the skin level); usually appearing as a red spot (with erosions in the center and bleeding easily); localization: usually on the trunk]
  • Health check (as an additional follow-up measure).

Square brackets [ ] indicate possible pathological (pathological) physical findings.