Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It is most commonly caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Basal cell carcinoma often look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars on sun exposed areas such as the face and neck. They almost never spread (metastasize) beyond the original tumor site. Only in exceedingly rare cases can it spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening. A diagnosis is confirmed by a skin biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of the unusual skin for testing in a laboratory. Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen may help protect against basal cell carcinoma. Multiple treatments are available for basal cell carcinoma. The treatment options depends on the type, location and severity of the basal cell carcinoma. Some commonly used basal cell carcinoma treatments include: Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C), Surgical excision, Mohs surgery, topical treatments, Photodynamic Therapy, cryotherapy and rarely oral therapy.