Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
BASAL CELL
CARCINOMA
About Your
Diagnosis
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is
the most common type of skin cancer. Although BCC can develop at any age, it
occurs more frequently in individuals older than 40 years. Risk increases as age
increases. The risk of getting BCC is also higher in fair-skinned individuals,
those who have high sun exposure, those who use tanning beds, and those who have
had frequent sunburns, especially during childhood. Basal cell carcinoma can
occur anywhere, but most occur on the head, neck, or face. The diagnosis may be
obvious to a doctor, but a biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis.
The biopsy is sent to the laboratory for special analysis under a microscope.
Basal cell carcinoma can recur after treatment; if it does retreatment is
necessary. Patients who have had one BCC will frequently have additional BCCs
develop as they get older. All BCCs should be removed. If you have any risk for
skin cancer, you should see your doctor for a skin
examination.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
There are a few different
types of basal cell carcinoma. They are classified by doctors according to their
shape, appearance, and color. The most common have a raised, purely white or
pink border and a central depression. Others may develop ulcers or erode through
the skin. They start off small, less than 1/4 inch, but can become quite large
if left untreated. They can spread to other adjacent skin areas and in some
cases can grow deeper. This is a particular problem on the face. Very few spread
to distant areas on the body. You should consult your doctor if you have any of
the following warning signs of possible skin cancer:
•
A suspicious-looking mole or area that concerns
you.
• Any area that does not heal or
recurrently bleeds.
• A raised skin
mole with a central indentation.
•
Any mole that changes shape or
color.
• Any mole that has irregular
or indistinct borders.
• Any mole
that is asymmetric; i.e., one side looks different from the other
side.
Treatment
Any
suspicious-looking mole or abnormal area should be examined by your doctor. If
cancer is suspected, your doctor may perform a biopsy or remove the mole or
treat the mole by destroying it with freezing or burning. A skin biopsy is
performed to remove a sample of the mole. This is usually done by first
deadening the area with an anesthetic such as lidocaine. A sample of the mole is
obtained using a special biopsy tool or by removal with a sharp, sterile knife.
This sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis under a microscope. If the
biopsy is positive for cancer, the mole will be completely removed. At the
initial visit, sometimes the mole will be completely removed without first
performing a biopsy, especially if the mole is small. Your doctor will remove
the entire abnormal area and send it for analysis at the laboratory. Other
methods such as electrosurgery (using an electric needle) and cryosurgery
(freezing) are frequently used to treat BCC. When diagnosed early, BCC is
relatively easy to treat and recurrences are less common. When it is extensive,
BCC can be more difficult to treat and referral to a specialist may be
necessary.
The
DOs
• Obtain an annual skin
examination from your doctor, more often if recommended by your
doctor.
• See your doctor if you have
a suspicious-looking mole or abnormal skin
area.
• Always wear sunscreen with a
sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher when in direct
sunlight.
The
DON’Ts
• Avoid sunlight
during the periods when most intense, especially from 11
AM
to 3
PM
during summer days. (If you must be in the
sun, wear longsleeve shirts and pants and a
hat).
• Avoid sunburns, especially in
small children.
• Don’t delay
seeing your doctor if you have any of the warning signs of skin
cancer.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• If you have a new mole
or a suspicious-looking area on your skin.