Can Red Spots On The Forehead Turn Into Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Posted on Sun, 5 Nov 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 5 Nov 2017 Answered on

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : A few months ago a red spot showed up on my forehead and my dermatologist diagnosed it as Actinic keratosis and froze it off. It went away completely and now it is coming back and ir is worst. Now it feels raised. Is it possible it has turned in to XXXXXXX cell? Can't get in for another week and am panicking.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
upload a few more good quality Images

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am Dr. Kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist).
I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Actinic keratosis is usually a precursor of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) rather than a basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
I have viewed the Image. Unfortunately the Image that you have posted is not very clear. I request you to kindly upload a few more images that are clear and focused so that I am able to guide you better.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)

Just uploaded new photo.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Try a topical benzoyl peroxide for a few days

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. Image slightly better but still not very sharp. Can upload a few more, if possible.

Anyways, it seems like an inflammed bump/acne lesion.
Is it painful?or tender to touch? How long since you noticed this newly formed raised lesion?
I suggest you to first try topical benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel, twice daily for a few days. If it doesn't resolve on this, then may be a case for a skin biopsy. However, it doesn't seem worrisome to me at this point.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

I don't honk it's a pimple because it is in the exact same spot that was frozen off. It seems to get irritated at times and then calm down and then come back again. Now it is slightly raised.

What happens when something is frozen off. Does that spot heal completely or is there a chance of periodic irritation because of the assault on the skin?

Thanks for you quick responses. I will try to upload better picture.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keloid or a hypertrophic scar

Detailed Answer:
Thank you.

There is a possibility that it is a hypertrophic or a keloid scar, specially if it feels firm/knotty. Skin can heal with excess scar tissue resulting in a hypertrophic or a keloidal scar. An excess scar tissue such as these can be itchy/ irritated..
A better image would help.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (43 minutes later)

Yes it is sometimes itchy and irritated. I will try to get you a better picture tomorrow. It has been raining here in XXXXXXX so maybe I can get better lighting tomorrow. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
That's fine. Thank you.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D