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What is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer.
– It arises from abnormal growth of basal cells, which are found in the outer layer of your skin.
– BCC typically develops on sun-exposed areas like the face, head, neck, and arms.
– While BCC rarely spreads, it can grow and cause damage if left untreated.
The good news is, BCC is highly treatable when caught early.
What are the types and common signs?
- Nodular: The most common type, appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels. It may have a central depression or ulceration.
- Superficial: Presents as a flat, scaly, reddish patch, sometimes with a thin, raised border. It often occurs on the trunk.
- Morpheaform (Sclerosing): Can look like a white or yellowish, scar-like area with indistinct borders. This type can grow deeper and wider under the skin.
- Pigmented: Similar in appearance to the nodular type but with brown or black pigment. It can sometimes be mistaken for melanoma.
- Infiltrative: Characterized by small strands and nests of basal cells that grow between collagen fibers in the skin. It can be more aggressive and harder to treat.
- Micronodular: Consists of multiple small nodules of basal cells. It has a higher risk of recurrence.
- Basosquamous: A less common and more aggressive type that has features of both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma
What are treatment options?
Untreated basal cell carcinoma can enlarge, bleed, and destroy the surrounding tissue
Treatment depends on size, location, and type of basal cell and patient preference.
Nodular, infiltrative, morpheaform, sclerosing, and basosquamous BCCs are usually subject to a surgical excision where besides the cancerous tissue, a 3 – 5 mm margin of healthy tissue is also removed to prevent any relapses in the future. Mohs Micrographic Surgery remains a very effective option, especially when BCC affects high – risk areas like skin around the face including the eyes, ears, lips and nose.
Small superficial BCCs can be treated using the techniques of superficial skin surgery including highly successful electrosurgery or cryotherapy. If the surgical treatment is inappropriate in one’s particular case, other options can be incorporated like radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy or topical immune response modifiers like imiquimod (Aldara®) or 5 -fluorouracil (Efudex®, Tolak®).
Our team at PS Dermatology and Surgery will closely examine your case and assess the most beneficial individual treatment option.
Call or Schedule Online Today For A Basal Cell Carcinoma Screening at PS Dermatology.