Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the shin of a 81 year old male patient. BCC is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cell, which produces new skin cells as old ones die off. It typically appears as a small pink bump that looks shiny, translucent, or waxy. Over time, it may grow larger and become crusty, bleed, or form an ulcer. BCC can also present as a scaly patch that looks red or brown. The main cause of BCC is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, especially on sun-exposed areas such as the face, head, neck, and ears. Although it tends to destroy nearby tissue, it rarely spreads to other parts of the body. BCC commonly affects fair-skinned adults. Treatments include radiotherapy, cryotherapy, cauterization, and surgical removal. For another image of this patient see SPL code C060/1978.