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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects patients in the US, and basal cell carcinoma occurs the most often. While relatively common, nonmelanoma skin cancers are also highly treatable, especially when it can be diagnosed early. If you notice signs of basal cell skin cancer, it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Damstetter at Reserve Dermatology in Glenview, Illinois as soon as possible.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. This skin cancer is caused by uncontrolled and abnormal growth in the basal cells, or the outermost skin cells. However, compared to other types of skin cancer (such as melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma), basal cell cancers grow slowly and do not cause extensive damage if they are diagnosed and treated early.
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What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Superficial basal cell carcinoma is typically caused by damage from ultraviolet radiation. This is a result of excess sun exposure or indoor tanning over time. In less common cases, basal cell carcinoma may be caused by radiation therapy, exposure to toxins such as arsenic, or genetic diseases. It often grows on sun exposed skin, such as on the face, arms, shoulders, and neck.
Several risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing malignant nonmelanoma skin tumors such as basal cell carcinoma. These include:
- Frequent sun exposure over time
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- Immune-suppressing drugs
- Older age, especially age 40+
- Fair skin which freckles or burns easily
- Red or blond hair and/or light colored eyes
- Living in a sunny or high-altitude climate
Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
A basal cell carcinoma is typically a bump on the skin or a lesion similar to a sore that does not heal. They are most common on areas of the skin which receive the most sun exposure over time, such as the face, scalp, neck, chest, forearms, or hands. Basal cell carcinomas are typically small, shiny bumps on the skin. They are typically the same color as the surrounding skin, but may appear pearly white or pink on white skin tones or glossy brown or black on darker skin tones. The bump may also appear waxy or similar to scar tissue. In other cases, basal cell carcinoma may appear as a flat scaly patch of skin, typically with a raised edge. These growths tend to become relatively large.
View Dr. Damstetter’s Favorite Sun Protection Products
Diagnosing Basal Cell Carcinoma
To diagnose basal cell carcinoma, Dr. Damstetter will perform a biopsy. This involves removing a small among of skin from the lesion or growth so it can be tested in a lab. For skin cancer, it’s common for Dr. Damstetter to remove the whole growth at the time of biopsy just in case. If further treatment is needed, she can recommend options.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatments
Once a diagnosis is made, the cancerous cells must be removed completely. There are several methods of removing the basal cell carcinoma cells, each of which can be performed after using a local anesthetic to maintain your comfort.
- Surgical excision involves removing the lesion as well as a small border of healthy skin cells using a scalpel or similar surgical tool.
- Mohs surgery is a procedure in which the cancer cells are removed layer by layer to ensure that all abnormal cells are removed without removing too much healthy skin. This minimizes scarring while also reducing the chance that the cancer will recur.
- Curettage and electrodessication (C&E) involves scraping the surface of the skin before directing electricity to the remaining cancer cells.
- Cryosurgery, which involves freezing the cancer cells using liquid nitrogen.
- Radiation therapy, which is only necessary in more advanced basal cell carcinoma, cases with a higher risk of cancer returning, or when surgery is not possible.
What to Expect During Treatment
Basal cell carcinoma removal can often be completed in-office with a quick procedure. It involves a local anesthetic for comfort, and Dr. Damstetter will select the appropriate removal method. She will take steps to ensure against visible scarring when removing the growth. Once complete, patients can return home with detailed instructions on caring for the surgical site.
What to Expect After Treatment
It is essential to keep the surgical site clean and free of infection. It is also essential to keep it covered and protected from sun exposure, since skin cancers can reemerge with UV exposure. Dr. Damstetter will recommend returning for regular skin checks to remain vigilant for any other skin cancers, as well as other ways to ensure skin cancer prevention.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about basal cell carcinoma, schedule an appointment with Dr. Damstetter. Call Reserve Dermatology or contact us online.
