Types Of Basal Cell Carcinoma
There are several different clinical subtypes of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). These include:
Nodular
Approximately 60-80% of all BCCs are of the nodular variety. This type of BCC occurs more frequently on sun-exposed areas of the head and often presents as a papule or nodule1
Superficial
Approximately 10-30% of all BCCs are the superficial variety. This type of BCC occurs most frequently on the trunk and is characterised by small buds of basaloid tumour cells extending from the epidermis1
Other
The remaining cases of BCC represent the less common BCC types, including pigmented BCC (~6.7%)2 and morpheaform BCC (~5%).3 Morpheaform BCC, also called sclerosing or fibrosing BCC, is an aggressive infiltrating subtype with ill-defined borders, making complete excision a challenge1
References:
1. Weedon D, et al. Keratinocytic tumours. In: LeBoit PE, Burg G, Weedon D, Sarasain A, eds. WHO classification of tumours. Pathology and genetics of skin tumours. IARC Press: Lyon 2006.
2. Maloney et al. Pigmented basal cell carcinoma: Investigation of 70 cases. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992;27(1):74-8.
3. Wong B, et al. Basal Cell Carcinoma. BMJ. 2003;327:794-798.