What is a key feature of basal cell carcinoma?

A key feature of basal cell carcinoma is the presence of pearly nodules accompanied by telangiectasia. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and typically presents as a small, shiny, or pearly bump on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, and neck. The presence of telangiectasia, which are small, dilated blood vessels, often on the surface of these nodules, is also characteristic. This appearance can help distinguish basal cell carcinoma from other types of skin lesions and tumors.

Other choices describe different skin conditions. Scaly patches with redness would be more indicative of conditions like actinic keratosis or squamous cell carcinoma, while flat, brown spots are usually associated with benign nevi or lentigines. Dark, raised moles could suggest melanoma, a more aggressive type of skin cancer. Hence, the specific features of pearly nodules and telangiectasia make the first option the defining characteristic of basal cell carcinoma.