Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of cancer in the world. It is a type of skin cancer that usually occurs on sun-exposed areas like the head, trunk and extremities.
Several types of basal cell carcinomas exist and it is thought that they are caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Basal Cell Carcinomas are usually dome shaped and appear pink or soft-colored with overlying blood vessels on the surface. Skin of color patients may get brown or black pigmentation within basal cell carcinomas. It is not abnormal for bleeding or ulceration to occur.
The good news is that basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasize or spread in the bloodstream. They may, however, increase in size and cause local damage to neighboring structures.
If you have a suspected basal cell carcinoma, the first step is usually a small skin biopsy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, definitive treatment will be planned based on the size, type and location of the lesion. Some of the options include a topical chemotherapy or immunomodulating cream, electrodessication and curettage, surgical excision and Mohs surgery.