Basal Cell Cancer Specialist

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinomas are uncontrolled, abnormal cells that develop in the deepest layers of your skin. The cancer looks like sores, or red or pink growths, and are typically due to sun exposure.

Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer, but they rarely spread to other cells or organs. Don’t ignore basal cell carcinoma, however. It can lead to permanent disfigurement, if not treated.

What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

Basal cell carcinoma can sometimes look shiny and scaly, like psoriasis or eczema.

You may notice the carcinoma looks like a flesh-colored mole or bump that just doesn’t go away. The growths are sometimes dark or waxy and hard. Basal cell carcinomas also bleed easily. If you have a suspicious growth or patch of skin, get it checked by the experienced dermatology providers at Seacoast Dermatology.

What is the treatment for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is easily treated in its early stages. When the tumors grow larger, you need more extensive treatment. The risk of injury to a nerve or muscle is greater and so is your risk of disfigurement.

Small carcinomas can be frozen, scraped off, or cut away. Larger tumors may require Mohs surgery, which can progressively remove all signs of basal cell carcinoma with minimal scarring. Mohs surgery may also be the best treatment choice if the basal cell carcinoma is in a sensitive area of your body or has returned after other treatments. If you have a very large tumor, the dermatology surgeon may need to use a skin graft to repair the wound.

How can I avoid developing basal cell carcinoma?

Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, which is when the sun’s rays are strongest. Use sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 or higher every day. If you’re spending lots of time outside, reapply the sunscreen every 60-90 minutes. Wear sun-protective clothing, including a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.

Perform regular self-skin checks, too. You can catch signs of basal cell carcinoma early and have it treated right away.

To learn more about how to prevent and treat basal cell carcinoma, call one of the offices of Seacoast Dermatology, or book an appointment using this website.