Basal Cell Cancer – Rodent Ulcer

Rodent Ulcer, or Jacobi Ulcer, refers to a Basal Cell Cancer that has been neglected for many years which I encounter frequently in my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  It is called a Rodent Ulcer since the nodular portion develops an ulcer that appears to have been bitten by a rodent such as a rat.  As the Basal Cell Cancer continues to grow in size, areas of the cancer ulcerate and break down as the vascular supply may not be adequate for such a large lesion.  Also, Basal Cell Cancers are very friable and can easily ulcerate due to local trauma.  Rodent Ulcers are treated similar to other Basal Cell Cancers with an in office excision.