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Skin cancer takes several forms, but the most widespread is basal cell carcinoma. If you notice an unusual skin lesion that could be cancerous, visit Idaho Skin Surgery Center’s office in Fruitland or Boise, Idaho, for expert diagnosis and treatment. The team specializes in basal cell carcinoma and other skin cancers, ensuring you receive the most effective, advanced care for optimal outcomes. Call your nearest Idaho Skin Surgery Center office to arrange an in-person evaluation or schedule a consultation online today. Video-based telehealth appointments are also available.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Q & A
Should I worry about basal cell carcinoma?
In most cases, common skin cancer basal cell carcinoma isn’t life-threatening. It typically develops slowly and rarely spreads to other body parts.
However, treatment is vital because, without it, basal cell carcinoma can extend deep into the tissues, causing disfigurement. Long-term, untreated basal cell carcinoma may affect nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and bone.
Fortunately, an early diagnosis ensures basal cell carcinoma treatment is straightforward and successful. The Idaho Skin Surgery Center team can often remove the affected skin during an office visit.
Why would I get basal cell carcinoma?
People of any skin color or tone can develop basal cell carcinoma, but you’re more likely to get the condition if the following risk factors apply:
- Light skin that rarely tans
- Red or blond hair
- Freckles
- Light-colored eyes
Using tanning beds and spending time in the sun without skin protection significantly increase your risk of basal cell carcinoma. Sun damage symptoms on your skin, like age spots, discolored patches, and deep wrinkles, can appear years before basal cell carcinoma develops.
What treatment does basal cell carcinoma require?
Surgical removal is the primary basal cell carcinoma treatment. Depending on the type of basal cell carcinoma, where it is, and how deep it penetrates, the Idaho Skin Surgery Center team might recommend one of the following:
Excision
Your dermatologist cuts out the cancerous tissue and an area of healthy skin around it. Removing surrounding healthy skin eradicates stray cancer cells. Your dermatologist sends the sample to a lab to analyze the normal-looking skin for cancer cells.
Curettage and electrodesiccation
In this procedure, your dermatologist scrapes the basal cell carcinoma tissue off and then uses heat to destroy the remaining cancer cells. It’s typically reserved for the body or limbs.
Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery avoids healthy skin removal. It’s especially useful for visible areas like the face and thin-skinned body parts like the eyelids and nose. Your dermatologist removes the basal cell carcinoma in thin layers, examining each under a microscope before continuing. This enables them to see where the cancer stops.
Other basal cell carcinoma treatments include medication, cryosurgery (freezing the tumor), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) using blue or red light to kill the cancer cells. Your dermatologist will recommend the treatment that best suits your needs.
Call Idaho Skin Surgery Center or book an appointment online today for prompt basal cell carcinoma treatment.