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Contents
  • Surgical Solutions
  • Non-Surgical Approaches
  • Emerging Therapies

Exploring Treatment Options for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Exploring Treatment Options for Basal Cell Carcinoma

What's This About?

When it comes to treating basal cell carcinoma, there are several options to consider. Let's explore the most effective treatments and how they work.
Contents
  • Surgical Solutions
  • Non-Surgical Approaches
  • Emerging Therapies

Surgical Solutions

Surgical excision is the go-to treatment for low-risk BCC due to its high success rate in removing cancerous tissues. The procedure involves cutting out the tumor with a small margin of healthy skin to ensure complete removal. This is often performed under local anesthesia and is well-tolerated by most patients.

Non-Surgical Approaches

For those who prefer non-surgical options, topical treatments like imiquimod cream offer an alternative for superficial BCCs. These treatments boost the body's immune response to fight the cancer cells. While effective, they require consistent application and may cause skin irritation.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common form of skin cancer that arises from basal cells in the epidermis. Treatment options include surgical excision and topical therapies.

Emerging Therapies

New treatments like photodynamic therapy (PDT) are gaining attention for their non-invasive nature. PDT uses light-activated drugs to target cancer cells, offering good cosmetic results with minimal scarring.

FAQs

What is the success rate of surgical excision for BCC?

Surgical excision has a success rate of over 95% for low-risk BCCs.

Are non-surgical treatments effective?

Yes, options like imiquimod are effective for certain types of BCC.

What is photodynamic therapy?

It's a treatment using light-activated drugs to kill cancer cells.

Is there a risk of recurrence with BCC treatments?

Yes, but recurrence is less likely with proper treatment.

Wrapping Up

Exploring all treatment options ensures the best approach for each patient's specific needs.
Discuss with Doctronic to find the best BCC treatment for you.
Additional References
  1. Gulleth Y, Goldberg N, Silverman RP, Gastman BR. What is the best surgical margin for Basal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg 2010; 126:1222.
  2. Szeimies RM, Ibbotson S, Murrell DF, et al. A clinical study comparing methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy and surgery in small superficial basal cell carcinoma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2008; 22:1302.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.