Basal Cell Carcinoma

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What is it?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells in the skin's outer layer. It typically develops in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck and arms. BCCs are slow-growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body, making them highly treatable when caught early.

BCCs often appear as small, shiny or pearly bumps or patches of skin that may bleed or crust over. They can also present as a sore that doesn’t heal, or a red, scaly patch of skin. Although basal cell carcinoma is rarely life-threatening, it can cause damage to surrounding tissues if left untreated.

How is it treated?

Treatment for basal cell carcinoma depends on the size, location and depth of the cancer. Common treatments include:

• Surgical excision: This is the most common method where the tumor is surgically removed along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
• Mohs micrographic surgery: For more complex cases, Mohs surgery may be recommended. This technique involves removing thin layers of the cancerous tissue and examining each layer under a microscope to ensure all the cancer is removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Cryotherapy (freezing): For superficial BCCs, cryotherapy may be used to freeze and destroy the cancerous cells using liquid nitrogen.
• Topical treatments: In some cases, topical medications or creams may be prescribed to treat early-stage BCCs, especially when the tumor is small or located in areas that are difficult to treat surgically.

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications. If you notice any suspicious growths or changes in your skin, schedule an appointment with our team at Huntington Dermatology so we can evaluate the area.