Basal cell carcinomas can be divided into a variety of subtypes, including:

• Nodular. The most common type of basal cell carcinoma, nodular basal cell carcinoma most often develops on the head, neck and upper back. About 60 percent of basal cell carcinomas are nodular. Common features of the lesion include:
  
  
• • Waxy appearance with a central depression
    
    
  • Translucent or pearly appearance
    
    
  • Erosion, ulceration or crusting
    
    
  • Rolled (raised) border
    
    
  • Telangiectases (dilated blood vessels) over the surface
    
    
  •  Bleeding following minor injury
    
    
• Superficial. This form commonly appears as scaly patches or raised portions of skin that are pink to red or brown, often with central clearing and a raised pearly edge. The growths commonly occur on the trunk of the body (the torso), and may resemble psoriasis (a skin disorder characterized by redness, scaling and itchiness) or eczema (a skin disorder characterized by scaly, itchy rashes).
  
  
• Pigmented. This type is a variant of nodular basal cell carcinoma. Pigmented basal cell carcinomas have increased brown or black pigment. They are seen more commonly in people with dark skin.
  
  
• Morpheaform (also known as aggressive-growth basal cell carcinoma, infiltrative basal cell carcinoma and sclerosing basal cell carcinoma). The most aggressive form of basal cell carcinoma, this growth appears as flat and slightly firm. It is white or yellow, and does not have a well-defined border. It closely resembles a scar.
  
• Cystic. This type appears as a translucent blue-gray growth.
  
  
• Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus (FEP). This type usually appears as a pink elevation on the lower back.