Basal Cell Carcinoma Specialist
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Easton Dermatology Associates
Dermatologists located in Easton, MD & Salisbury, MD
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), one of the non-melanoma cancers, is the most common form of skin cancer, with more than four million new cases diagnosed in the United States every year. In fact, one out of every three new cancer diagnoses is skin cancer, and BCC accounts for most of those cases. The team of dermatologists at Easton Dermatology Associates in Easton, Maryland, are experts at providing comprehensive BCC skin cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment, to patients on the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding area.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Q & A
What causes basal cell carcinoma?
Your skin is an organ made up of several layers, and the outermost layer is called the epidermis. Basal cells make up the deepest part of the epidermis. Any abnormal, uncontrolled growth or lesion that arises from this layer is known as a basal cell carcinoma, or BCC.
Although BCC can appear on any part of your body, it’s usually seen in areas that are most often exposed to the sun, including your face (often on the nose), neck, ears, scalp, backs of the hands, arms, and legs. It can be caused by cumulative, lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light, or by briefer instances of intense exposure. Tanning bed use can also cause BCCs.
How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?
Because there are different types of BCCs, it can take different forms on your skin. A basal cell carcinoma may appear as a sore that bleeds easily, oozes, or crusts over. It may not heal or it may heal and then return. Sometimes a BCC has visible blood vessels around it or has a sunken, crater-like center. Any of the following may be a BCC:
- A dome-shaped growth with visible blood vessels that may be flat in the center
- A shiny, slightly scaly red or pink patch that’s reminiscent of eczema
- A skin-colored or pale-looking growth with a scar-like appearance and waxy feel
After performing a thorough skin exam, your doctor will biopsy any suspicious lesions. The only way to diagnose any form of skin cancer, including BCC, is with a biopsy.
How is basal cell carcinoma treated?
Like most skin cancers, BCC is best treated through complete surgical removal. Because BCCs don’t usually spread, successful treatment usually involves removing the growth itself, and a small area surrounding it. BCC may be removed through excision, which simply involves cutting out the BCC along with a small amount of the surrounding skin.
Mohs surgery is a more advanced procedure, which is why it has a higher cure rate for BCCs that are more difficult to treat. Dr. Hyland Cronin is the Mohs surgeon who performs this state-of-the-art procedure at Easton Dermatology Associates. Mohs surgery involves excising the visible parts of a BCC, then removing successive layers of skin that may still contain cancer cells. As each successive layer is removed, it’s examined under the microscope. Further layers are removed until cancer cells can no longer be detected.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Protecting yourself from the sun and avoiding tanning beds are the two most important things you can do to protect yourself from BCCs and other forms of skin cancer. Apply sunscreen whenever you plan to be outside, even on cool or cloudy days. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and clothes that provide more coverage is also helpful. Do your best to avoid spending too much time in the hot, midday sun, and if you are outdoors during that time of day, stay in the shade.
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
At Easton Dermatology Associates, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a list of some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.
