Basal Cell Carcinoma vs Dermatofibroma

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Dermatofibroma
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
The most common cancer in humans. Slow-growing, rarely spreads, but can cause serious tissue damage if untreated.
Firm, small brown bump - usually on the legs. Harmless. The dimple sign is its signature feature.
Risk factors
Chronic cumulative sun exposure over many years (outdoor workers, sun-seekers); Fair skin, light hair, light eye color (Fitzpatrick types I-III); Age over 50, though increasingly diagnosed in younger adults
Female sex (more common in women); Young to middle-aged adults; Prior minor skin trauma (insect bites, shaving nicks)
Action needed
A pearly, shiny, or translucent bump - especially with tiny visible blood vessels
A nodule larger than 1-2cm or growing progressively (may be DFSP)

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the single most common form of cancer worldwide, with an estimated 3.6 million cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone. It arises from basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis.

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Dermatofibroma

Dermatofibroma is a common, harmless, firm nodule that typically appears on the lower legs of women, though it can occur anywhere. It presents as a small (usually under 1cm), firm, slightly raised, brownish bump that feels like a hard lump under the skin.

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Does yours look more like basal cell carcinoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like basal cell carcinoma? Answer 2 questions.

Does the spot appear pearly, translucent, or have tiny visible blood vessels?

Does it bleed, crust over, seem to heal, and then come back?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →