Learn More About Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the team at Florida Dermatology Specialists is ready to provide effective treatment solutions that preserve your skin health as best as possible. We specialize in advanced skin cancer treatments and providing custom care to our patients.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Explained
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that affects the skin, where the tumor cells mimic the basal layer of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and most often develops on the face, neck and other areas that are frequently exposed to the sun. This is because, like most other types of skin cancer, BCC is caused by the ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure that damages the skin. There are different variants, or growth patterns, of basal cell carcinoma: superficial, nodular, micronodular, morpheaform, infiltrative, and fibroepithelioma of Pinkus. These growth patterns may predict tumor behavior and extent of spread into surrounding tissue.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Although basal cell carcinoma is quite common, it can still be aggressive, and should therefore be treated promptly to minimize skin damage and extent of spread into surrounding tissue. Treatment depends on location on the body and the subtype of basal cell carcinoma. Simple destruction, called electrodessication and curettage, surgical excision, and Mohs surgery are the most commonly used methods. At times, topical therapy, cryotherapy, or radiation therapy may be employed. Basal cell carcinoma very rarely spreads inside the body, but can certainly cause local tissue destruction into skin, muscle, cartilage, and rarely even bone.
