Basal Cell Carcinoma

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1. What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
2. What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma?
3. Basal Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
4. View Dr. Damstetter's Favorite Sun Protection Products
5. Basal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis and Treatment
6. Schedule an Appointment

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, basal cell carcinoma is also highly treatable, especially when it can be diagnosed early. If you notice signs of basal cell carcinoma, 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, basal cell carcinomas grow slowly and do not cause extensive damage if they are diagnosed and treated early.

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“I had a recent visit to Dr Damstetter’s clinic and would like to share my experience. I am a Navy vet(corpsman) and usually get seen at the VA but since we don’t have a Derm provider right now, I was fortunately sent out to her clinic to be evaluated. It’s a nice clinic in a nice area and was relatively easy to find. A pleasant Ms. Nancy at the front desk was helpful in completing the check-in process. Easy day. I did not have to wait long and was soon met by Dr. Damstetter’s assistant, who for classified reasons I will refer to as “Agent 8”. I am sure if she gets tired of providing excellent medical care, her slick-ninja skillset could get her a job with the CIA or MI6 maybe. Short story long, Agent 8 brought me back to the patient area, where I was introduced to Dr Damstetter, who was all the things you would want in a doctor: a knowledgeable provider with a great bedside manner. She gave me a thorough exam which did end up showing that I needed a minor procedure. No worries. I felt well taken care of throughout my visit. No one likes to have to see the doctor, but if you have a dermatological concern, this is a good place with good people who did great by me, and I am thankful to have been sent here.”

“Dr. Liz is truly the best dermatologist I’ve ever been to. She is attentive, kind, and genuinely cares about her patients and their overall skin health. I can not recommend her enough!!!”

“Wonderful experience here! The doctor took the time to educate me on a variety of cosmetic options and gave her candid opinion resulting in just the right amount of cosmetic adjustments! Her staff was delightful and attentive! I would highly recommend for general derm needs and cosmetic adjustments.”

“Dr. Damstetter was the first dermatologist I trusted to do my Botox. She is both knowledgeable and professional and did a fantastic job. I will be using her for any and all of my future needs.”

What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is typically caused by damage from UV rays. 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.

Several risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing 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

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Liz Damstetter, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

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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

Basal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis and Treatment

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 testing in a lab.

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 and 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.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about basal cell carcinoma, schedule an appointment with Dr. Damstetter. Call Reserve Dermatology or contact us online.