Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. More than four million cases are reported in the Unites States every year. This type of cancer is also one of the most curable and causes the least amount of damage, especially when you catch it early.
One issue with diagnosing basal cell carcinoma is that its symptoms vary from person to person. Another issue is that its symptoms resemble the symptoms of other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. In general, look for symptoms on your skin that include:
- Open sores
- Red patches
- Pink growths
- Shiny bumps or nodules
- Raised scars or growths
- Flat white, yellow or waxy-colored scars
- Itching or bleeding
- Oozing from a suspected area that forms a crust when it dries
If you notice unusual changes on your skin, consult your dermatologist immediately. Early detection of basal cell carcinoma makes treatment much easier and may even prevent surgery.
How to Prevent Basal Cell Carcinoma
With this form of cancer, most of the cancerous cells appear on your face. Areas on your ears, neck, back, chest, arms and legs are sometimes affected. If your unprotected skin is often exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun, you’re more likely to get basal cell carcinoma.
The best way to protect yourself is to avoid direct sunlight on your skin. Always use high-SPF sunscreen and wear sun-filtering clothes. Opt for a hat with a wide brim whenever possible to hide your face from the powerful sun’s rays. UV-blocking sunglasses help, too.
If you have fair skin, you need to take extra care when you’re out in the sun. Be especially careful if you’re a man over 50 with a history of skin cancer. It’s also recommended that you avoid tanning beds.
Seek Treatment for Unusual Skin Changes
Just because this skin cancer isn’t life-threatening, that’s no excuse to ignore it. If you don’t get medical care early, basal cell carcinoma can become aggressive, injuring the nerves, blood vessels, skin tissue and even the underlying bone structure. Eventually, the cancer spreads so severely that you may end up being disfigured.
The good news is that, from the moment it appears on your skin, the cancer grows and spreads very slowly. That gives you ample time to get yourself checked by a Queens dermatologist. At Medex, your dermatologist has access to the latest treatments, so you’re in knowledgeable hands when you come in for diagnosis and treatment.
Treating the Cancer Cells
When your doctor finds a suspicious spot on your skin during an examination, the first step most likely is to collect a biopsy or tissue sample. At the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center, your dermatologist numbs the area before removing all or some of the suspicious cells to send to a lab. This is the simplest way to diagnose if your cells are cancerous.
If the pathology report for the skin biopsy comes back negative, the spot may have been just a mole or some other benign growth. If the test is positive, your dermatologist discusses the treatment option that best serves your case. Your doctor may recommend a treatment based on the location of the cancer. Minimally invasive techniques include:
- A surgical excision to cut the cancer cells out
- Cryosurgery that uses liquid nitrogen
- Radiation therapy
- Electrosurgery
- Curettage or scraping the cells away
If you have a large cancerous growth or if the area has edges that aren’t well-defined, you may need Mohs surgery. This procedure is time-consuming, but it’s often done for cases that have a high probability of recurrence. Your doctor may choose Mohs surgery for delicate locations, such as on or near your nose, ears, eyes, eyelids, forehead, scalp, fingers or genital area.
