our practice
contact information
- Cincinnati Dermatology Center
- 7730 Montgomery Rd.
- Suite 200
- Cincinnati, Ohio 45236
- Tel: 513-984-4800
- Fax: 513-984-5470
- Map
- Visit our other website
The From Your Doctor service powered by Vivacare
This service should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your healthcare provider.
Communicate promptly with your provider with any health related questions or concerns.
Skin Cancer, Basal Cell
What is basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer. It is the most common form of any cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and accounts for 80% of all skin cancers.
BCC appears on areas of the body that have had the most sun exposure. This includes the face, ears, scalp, back of the neck, and back of the arms and hands.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is relatively easy to detect. If it is found early, treatment is simple and successful.
The photos below show the use of excision to treat basal cell carcinoma.
Types of Basal Cell Carcinoma
There are three subtypes of basal cell carcinoma:
1) Superficial—This type of basal cell carcinoma is usually seen on the trunk or extremities. It appears as a reddish spot or patch with a fine scale on the top. It can appear like a small patch of psoriasis. It can occasionally appear with a small erosion on the surface.
2) Nodular—This is the most common type of basal cell carcinoma. It appears as a waxy or translucent nodule that may have fine blood vessels (capillaries) on its surface. The center may ulcerate, creating a sore that never completely heals. They may occasionally be pigmented like a mole (nevi).
3) Sclerosing or morpheaform—This type of basal cell carcinoma appears like a scar with poorly defined (blurry) borders. It is usually flat with a thinning of the skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options
There are multiple treatment options available for basal cell carcinoma. Your doctor will recommend a treatment based on the type of basal cell cancer, its size, shape, and location. In addition, your doctor will take into accout your medical history, response to any previous treatments and personal preferences.
Treatment options include:
Medications for superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC)
- 5-fluorouracil, or 5-FU (Efudex, Carac)
- Imiquimod cream, 5% (Aldara)
Procedures
- Curettage-electrodessication. This involves scraping away the cancer with a specialized device (curette), then destroying a thin layer of surrounding tissue with heat.
- Cryotherapy. The cancerous lesion is frozen with liquid nitrogen. The freezing injury causes the skin to slough off.
- Excision. The cancer is cut away with a scalpel and the wound is closed with sutures.
- Mohs Surgery. This is a precise method for removing cancerous tissue, while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue. Mohs surgery is usually recommended for skin cancer removal in anatomic areas where maximum preservation of healthy tissue is desirable for cosmetic and functional purposes.
- Laser therapy
Cure rates for most modes of therapy are excellent for primary basal cell carcinomas.
Because basal cell carcinoma can resemble other skin conditions, tell your doctor about unusual skin changes or lesions, especially these:
- A sore that comes and goes but never completely heals
- A shiny bump or nodule, especially if it appears pearly or translucent (these can look brown or reddish and resemble a mole)
- A slightly raised pink growth with a crusted depression in the center, possibly with tiny blood vessels (capillaries) visible on the surface
- A patch of skin that is red or irritated, especially on the chest, shoulders, or limbs
- A white or yellow-ish waxy scar with poorly defined borders
Where can I learn more about Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (Skin Cancer Foundation)
_____________________________________________________________
©2010 Vivacare. Last updated August 30, 2010.
Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.
This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.
Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.
Additional Resources
- Overview
- Medications
- Procedures
- Self Care
This site complies with
the
HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
View Content Policy