Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer affecting predominantly fairer skinned individuals over the age of 30. Fortunately, basal cell carcinoma is the least dangerous of the skin cancers with the risk of metastasis being extremely low. However, these lesions can grow rather large and become disfiguring and inoperable if left untreated. The cause of basal cell carcinoma is thought to be related to a combination of sun exposure and genetic susceptibility.
Common to almost all basal cell carcinomas is the propensity to bleed with minimal trauma and to create sores that do not heal properly. Frequently, patients present with a wound or sore that bleeds with minimal trauma and never fully heals and is slow growing. Aside from this characteristic, basal cell carcinomas can present as a raised red bump or a flat red patch. Common areas are the face, trunk and extremities as well as scalp.
Basal cell carcinomas can be treated in various ways depending on the depth, size, growth type as well as location. For small superficial lesions, topical immune based therapies can be used vs curettage or excision. While deeper lesions are excised, those with aggressive growth types, large or sensitive locations such as the head and neck are treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr. Nash offers Mohs micrographic surgery in addition to general surgery, immunomodulation and curettage depending on your tumor’s characteristics.
- Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer
- It rarely metastasizes but grows indolently and can be disfiguring
- Dr. Nash offers a variety of treatments including Mohs micrographic surgery
