A slow growing skin cancer that is caused from exposure to the sun. Basal cells are a type of cell in the skin. Sun damage causes them to grow uncontrollably and become cancerous. This skin cancer is most often found on the neck, face, back and arms since these areas are exposed to the sun. Having fair skin and a family history of skin cancer also puts a patient at increased risk of this disorder. Protecting the skin from the sun with hats, clothing or suntan lotion is the best way to avoid getting this cancer. It is rare for this type of cancer to spread to other areas of the body (metastasize) but the tumor can do significant damage to local areas if it is not treated.