Basal cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in the United States.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that affects the basal cells, which are the cells located in the lower layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin). BCC is the most common form of skin cancer and is often caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning.

If you have any concerns about skin changes or symptoms of BCC, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve the outcome and prognosis for those affected by BCC.

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Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include:

A shiny, pearly bump or nodule on the skin
A pink, red, or brownish patch on the skin
A scar-like area on the skin that is flat and pale
A waxy or scaly patch on the skin that is yellow, white, or flesh-colored

BCC can also cause bleeding, itching, and tenderness in some cases. It is important to seek medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms as BCC can grow and spread to other areas if left untreated.

Prevention & Treatment

Prevention and early treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is essential to reduce the risk of skin cancer and improve overall skin health.

Risk factors for BCC include:

Fair skin, especially if it burns easily or freckles
A history of sunburns or tanning
A family history of skin cancer
A history of exposure to UV radiation, including tanning beds
Older age
A weakened immune system

Prevention measures include:

Wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
Limiting exposure to UV radiation, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Seeking shade when possible
Wearing a hat and sunglasses
Regularly examining the skin for new or changing patches

Treatment options for BCC include:

Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the affected area with liquid nitrogen
Topical creams, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod
Photodynamic therapy, which involves applying a light-sensitive medicine to the skin and exposing it to a special light
Curettage and electrodesiccation, which involves scraping the affected area with a curette and then cauterizing it with an electrically charged instrument

At times, MOHS surgery might be the necessary course of action, specifically, if the BCC is recurrent, a particularly aggressive cell type, or in the H zone of the face (a high-risk area for recurrence, usually includes the nose, eyes, or mouth). MOHS surgery, offered at Advanced Dermatology, with board-certified Mohs surgeon Dr. Tushar Dabade, is a treatment where Dr. Dabade evaluates the frozen section of the surgery to determine the best margins and ensure complete removal.

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When I found out I had skin cancer I was scared

“I came into the office and met Dr. Dabade and my fears disappeared. He removed my skin cancer effortlessly.”

Maureen J.

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Advanced Dermatology is the leading aesthetic and medical dermatology practice in the North Shore servicing Glencoe, Lincolnshire and Chicago.