What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that usually manifests as a glassy bump on the skin, like a zit. The growth can appear glazed, pearly, white, pink, brown, or black. Basal cell carcinomas appear if DNA alterations occur in the skin cells due to frequent ultraviolet exposure, whether from the sun or cosmetic tanning machines. Standard areas are the face, neck, head, nose, torso, legs, and arms. At Sandhu Dermatology & Med Spa, our skilled team uses advanced techniques, including Mohs surgery, to treat various kinds of skin cancer, such as BCC. Call us at your earliest convenience to schedule a visit at one of our practices in West Palmdale, Ridgecrest, and Tehachapi, CA for a skin cancer test to get started.
How Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Treated?
Whether this is your first bout with basal cell carcinoma or you are dealing with BCC that has come back, the caring team at Sandhu Dermatology & Med Spa is available to help you. Our team has numerous treatment options for addressing BCC. The treatment chosen will depend on the needs of the individual and the depth and phase of the skin cancer. Usually, we start with the most minimally challenging option and progress to more advanced strategies if needed. Therapy options for BCC include:
- Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C)
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Medication (biological therapy or immunotherapy)
- Photodynamic therapy (light therapy)
- Topical chemotherapy
- Cryosurgery
- Surgical removal of the malignant cells
What Are the Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Initially, BCC presents as a bump that doesn't clear up or heal. It tends to develop steadily, but if left untreated, it may become dangerous and spread wide and deep beneath the skin. BCC commonly presents as:
- Unfamiliar or growing plaques
- Outgrowths that can be uncomfortable
- Growths that intermittently bleed for no reason
- Can be dark-colored, olive, rosy, deep or flesh-colored, bright red, or pale, and often shiny or pearly
Basal cell carcinoma is often responsive to treatment if diagnosed early enough, but it should be treated immediately to accomplish the optimal outcome. Routine skin exams are recommended to detect signs of skin cancer and receive treatment before it spreads.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Reviews
If you can say about going to have skin cancer surgery is a pleasure I will ,going to Dr Sandu was a pleasure.Everyone in his office kind and polite as was Dr Sandu.I am happy I went there today.I most differently recommend them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can basal cell carcinoma spread?
In particular cases, BCC could expand to additional parts of the body, including the lymph glands, bones, or lungs, but this is less likely. In cases when BCC is diagnosed and addressed early, individuals have a very low likelihood that the cancer will move to different body regions.
How serious is basal cell carcinoma?
Being one of the most frequently diagnosed kinds of skin cancer, BCC is highly treatable and has a promising chance of remission for a large percentage of individuals. While any finding of skin cancer is alarming, the professionals at Sandhu Dermatology & Med Spa have the education and techniques needed to detect and manage BCC and prevent its recurrence properly.
What are some recommended steps to prevent skin cancer in my daily life?
The preferred strategy to defend yourself from skin cancer is to avoid sun damage. Some simple protections you can implement include Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, reapplying sunblock every few hours, avoiding direct sun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., using sunscreen featuring titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, and visiting a skin specialist yearly to have your skin evaluated.
Request Your BCC Screening
When you notice an abnormal lesion on your skin, we recommend that you don't wait to have it checked by a specialist. When you are facing a skin cancer diagnosis, the Sandhu Dermatology & Med Spa team of medical professionals is here to offer effective therapies, such as Mohs surgery, for BCC. Contact Sandhu Dermatology & Med Spa with practice locations in West Palmdale, Ridgecrest, and Tehachapi, CA to schedule a visit to see us right away.
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