Basal cell epithelioma or basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin tumor. It is characterized by slow growth and local aggressiveness, but it does not tend to metastasize. It occurs more frequently in men than in women, mainly in individuals with skin types I and II, on sun-exposed areas of the body (face, neck and the back of the hands). The most important cause of basal cell carcinoma is excessive exposure to UV radiation.

The most common location is the face (especially the upper two-thirds) and other sun-exposed areas of the body. It most often appears in superficial and nodular forms:

• Superficial form – presents as pink or reddish lesions with often elevated borders and visible dilated capillaries (telangiectasias).

• Nodular form – appears as a nodule with visible enlarged blood vessels on the surface, while pearly “bead-like” edges are typically seen around it.

Other clinical forms include ulcerative, sclerosing (with a tendency to infiltrate surrounding tissues) and pigmented forms. The pigmented form can resemble melanoma; dermoscopy is very useful in differentiating between pigmented BCC and malignant melanoma.

Diagnosis is made clinically and confirmed by dermoscopy and histopathological examination.

The treatment of choice is surgical excision. However, in superficial BCC, immunomodulatory creams such as 5% imiquimod (Aldara) can also be very effective.

Prevention includes limiting exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Sun protection involves using high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+), covering exposed skin with clothing and hats and staying in the shade.Regular self-examination of the skin, awareness of personal risk factors (genetics and skin type) and routine