Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

What are Basal Cell Carcinomas?

Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) are slow-growing cancerous tumors embedded in the deepest layer of the epidermis. When someone is overexposed to UV rays, the body's natural skin renewal process is damaged, increasing the risk of basal cell carcinomas.

Basal Cell Carcinomas may vary in color and size but are typically visible as:

• A light pink bump, with visible blood vessels
• A brown spot that may initially appear to be a mole
• A flaky, red scar with a waxy film 

Basal Cell Carcinoma Causes

UV overexposure, fair skin tone, age, and a history of radiation therapies are risk factors involved in the development of BCC's. BCC's are also at a high risk of recurring, meaning you are much more susceptible to developing several after your first. Certain medications, such as immunosuppressants, are another factor that may increase your risk of developing BCC's.

Diagnosis is made with a skin biopsy from your dermatologist. During the biopsy, a small piece of skin is removed and sent to a laboratory for examination. Warning signs and visual signals of BCC's include:

• Bumps that bleed easily
• Lesions that are not healing 
• Oozing wounds
• Bumps with sunken centers

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatments

• Electrodesiccation and Curettage (ED&C): Certain BCC can be treated by scraping and cauterizing the lesions, thereby destroying the cancerous cells. 
• Excision: Excision involves cutting out the BCC and suturing the wound. Certain areas such as the face, hands, feet, and genitalia may be best treated with the Mohs excision technique.
• Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery, or freezing, uses liquid nitrogen to freeze away tumors.
• Prescription Topicals: Your physician may prescribe you a topical, medicated cream to use at home. These stimulate your body's immune system to respond to the cancerous cells. 
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation is used for tumors that may be difficult to treat by alternate methods.