Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) primarily exhibits localized growth and is known for its indolent nature. It typically does not metastasize through the bloodstream, making the characteristic of blood metastasis untrue for this type of skin cancer. BCC is often associated with slow growth and is well-contained within the epidermis. This limited metastatic potential is one of the reasons why it is usually not considered life-threatening, although it can cause significant local damage if left untreated.

In contrast, the other characteristics mentioned reflect typical features of basal cell carcinoma. For example, BCC can involve surrounding tissues extensively but usually does not erode underlying bone. Additionally, although some BCCs can be aggressive and exert considerable local tissue involvement, they still maintain a certain degree of radioresistance. Understanding these features helps in recognizing and diagnosing BCC correctly.