Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, with over two million cases diagnosed annually in the United States.

BCC typically develops after years of sun exposure, and the risk of developing this form of skin cancer increases significantly around the age of 50. However, individuals under 50 can also develop BCC, especially if they have certain risk factors. These risk factors include spending a lot of time outdoors for work or recreation, frequent use of tanning beds, and having physical traits such as light-colored or freckled skin, blue, green, or gray eyes, and blond or red hair.

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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. While it is uncommon, BCC can sometimes cause pain or itching. Typically, the only visible sign of BCC is a growth on the skin.

BCC most often develops on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and back of the hands. It is particularly common on the face, often appearing on the nose. However, BCC can also occur on any part of the body, including the trunk, legs, and arms.

Common Signs of BCC:

  • A sore that bleeds easily and doesn’t heal.
  • A growth that oozes or crusts over.
  • A sore that appears to heal but then returns.
  • Sometimes mistaken for a “pimple” or a sore caused by eyeglasses.

Diagnosis & Treatment of BCC:

A basal cell carcinoma is typically diagnosed after a skin biopsy. Once confirmed, there are several treatment options available:

  • Excision:
    Excision is a surgical procedure commonly performed in-office. The area is numbed, and the tumor is surgically removed along with some surrounding healthy tissue. Sutures are used both deep and on the surface, and the patient returns in 1-3 weeks for suture removal.*
  • Curettage and Electrodessication:
    This two-step treatment involves scraping away the tumor followed by the use of an electric instrument to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This method doesn’t require sutures.
  • Mohs Surgery:
    For BCCs on the face or for tumors greater than 2 cm on non-facial areas, Mohs surgery is the preferred method. This technique offers the highest cure rate and the lowest risk of recurrence.*
  • Radiation:
    Radiation therapy is typically reserved for BCCs that cannot be surgically removed or when surgery is not an ideal option.
  • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
    PDT uses light to treat early skin cancers, helping to remove cancerous cells.
  • Prescription Creams:
    Topical creams, like Imiquimod, can sometimes be used to treat early BCCs or shrink them before removal, typically through Mohs surgery.

Outcome:
Nearly all basal cell carcinomas can be cured, especially when detected early and treated promptly.*

Do you have any questions about Basal Cell Carcinoma?
If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists in our Los Alamitos or Agoura Hills office, please contact us for a consultation.

Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person.