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Contents
  • What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
  • Recognizing Low-Risk Features
  • Treatment Options for Low-Risk BCC

Basal Cell Carcinoma: What You Need to Know

Basal Cell Carcinoma: What You Need to Know

Why It Matters

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, often linked to sun exposure. Understanding its treatment and prognosis is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
Contents
  • What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
  • Recognizing Low-Risk Features
  • Treatment Options for Low-Risk BCC

What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

BCC is a skin cancer arising from the basal cells in the epidermis. It is known for being locally aggressive, potentially causing damage to surrounding tissues if not treated. While it's rarely life-threatening, early intervention and treatment are essential to prevent disfigurement.

Recognizing Low-Risk Features

Some BCCs have characteristics that indicate a lower risk of returning after treatment. These include being smaller than 20 mm on certain body areas, having non-aggressive growth patterns, and appearing in patients without compromised immune systems. Identifying these features helps determine the best treatment approach.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells in the epidermis. It is locally aggressive and often linked to sun exposure.

Treatment Options for Low-Risk BCC

Standard surgical excision is often recommended for BCCs deemed low risk due to its effectiveness in removing cancerous tissue. Alternatives like curettage and electrodesiccation (C&E) or topical treatments may be considered based on patient preferences and specific clinical factors.

FAQs

What are the main causes of BCC?

Sun exposure is the leading cause of BCC, making sun protection crucial.

Can BCC spread to other parts of the body?

BCC rarely spreads beyond the original site, but it can cause local damage.

What are the signs of BCC?

BCC may appear as a pearly bump or a flat, scaly patch on sun-exposed skin.

Is BCC preventable?

Using sunscreen and avoiding intense sun exposure can reduce the risk.

Key Takeaways

Understanding and identifying BCC early can lead to effective treatment and prevent complications.
Talk with Doctronic to learn more about BCC and your skin health.
Additional References
  1. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Basal cell skin cancer. Version 2.2021.
  2. Cameron MC, Lee E, Hibler BP, et al. Basal cell carcinoma: Contemporary approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019; 80:321.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.