Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It's very slow growing, and almost never spreads to other parts of the body. It usually grows on areas of the head and neck that have been exposed to the sun a lot. It usually develops after the age of 40.
The cause of basal cell carcinoma is exposure to the ultraviolet light from the sun. It can also be caused by the ultraviolet light in tanning salons.

Some conditions may increase your risk of getting basal cell carcinoma. You are at more risk if you have fair skin and tend to freckle or burn rather than tan in the sun. You are also at more risk if you had repeated sunburns or childhood exposures to the sun, if you have an outdoor job, if you have HIV, if you take medicine to suppress your infection fighting system, if you have a personal or family history of basal cell carcinoma, or if you have had radiation treatment.

What are the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?
A basal cell carcinoma is an irritating skin sore, which seems to bleed or scab every now and then. It may also be itchy, but it usually doesn't hurt. A basal cell carcinoma will look as if it's slightly raised from the skin. It's usually either red or brown in color, and it has smooth edges. Sometimes, the center is an open sore.