Which statement best describes basal cell carcinoma?

• A. It accounts for about 16% of skin cancers.
• B. It is the most common form of skin cancer, about 80% of cases, and typically appears shiny and translucent with slow growth.
• C. It crusts and ulcerates and commonly metastasizes rapidly.
• D. It is rapidly fatal and spreads widely.

Answer: (B)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and tends to grow slowly while staying locally invasive rather than spreading widely. It accounts for about 80% of nonmelanoma skin cancers. It frequently presents as a shiny, pearly or translucent nodule with telangiectasias in sun-exposed areas. While it can crust and ulcerate, it rarely metastasizes or becomes rapidly fatal, which makes the description of rapid spread or high mortality incorrect. The other statements either misstate its prevalence among all skin cancers or emphasize aggressive behavior that isn’t characteristic of basal cell carcinoma.