Basal Cell Carcinoma

 

Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the basal cells that make up the base of the skin’s outer layer, or epidermis.  Although it is the most common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma grows very slowly and is the least likely form of skin cancer to spread.  There are over 1 million cases of Basal Cell Carcinoma per year in the US.

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma Causes

 

Like most forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma is typically caused by harmful UV radiation that penetrates your skin during sun exposure.  Patients with light skin, red or blonde hair and blue or green eyes tend to have the greatest risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.  Men are also more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma than women.

 

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

 

Signs of basal cell carcinoma include presence of growths that are slightly raised or flat and may appear pearly, waxy or scaly.  These growths may be white, pinkish or brown in color and are often surrounded by visible blood vessels.

 

If you have a scab or sore that frequently bleeds, crusts or oozes and does not properly heal within two weeks, or if you notice a scar in an area where you have not been injured, have your skin evaluated by a dermatologist to check for basal cell carcinoma.

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

 

Basal Cell Carcinoma is typically treated by way of excision, which is the surgical removal of the cancerous basal skin cells.

 

Other treatment options for basal cell carcinoma include curettage and electrosurgery, which scrape away cancer cells and use electricity to kill them, or radiation therapy.

 

It is very easy to treat basal cell carcinoma, however the recurrence rate is high with this type of skin cancer, so it is very important to regularly have your skin examined for growths.

 

Would you like to learn more about Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment?  Call us to schedule a consultation at Clovis Dermatology.