Surgical Options for Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and can be treated by a dermatologist. Dr. Brian Dubow in Beverly Hills, CA, provides a wide range of dermatology services, including diagnosing and treating basal cell carcinoma.

What You Need To Know About Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer of the basal cells, the deepest in the epidermis. If left untreated, it can spread into the deeper layers of skin.

Basal cell carcinoma is most often caused by excess sun exposure. When it develops, it can look like:

• A shiny bump on the skin
• A flat, scaly patch of skin
• A blue, black, or brown area of skin
• A white scar

Regular visits to the dermatologist can help identify basal cell carcinoma in its early stages so it can be treated. Surgery is often recommended. Your dermatologist may recommend these surgical options for treating basal cell carcinoma:

Mohs micrographic surgery involves removing cancerous tissue one layer at a time and examining each layer under a microscope. This type of surgery may be used for larger or deeper areas or if the cancer is in a highly visible area.

Surgical excision involves cutting out the cancerous cells and a margin of healthy skin around the lesion. This type of surgery may be used for cancer on the chest, back, or extremities.

Surgery may be combined with additional cancer treatments, mainly if the basal cell carcinoma has spread to other areas. Additional treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.

Want To Know More About Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Talk with an expert to discover more about basal cell carcinoma and surgical options. Call dermatologist Dr. Brian Dubow in Beverly Hills, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (310) 888-4070, so call today.