What is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, making up about 90% of all diagnosed skin cancers each year. It develops in the outermost layers of the skin and, while rarely life-threatening, it can cause significant tissue damage if left untreated. BCC typically grows slowly and stays localized, but over time it can invade surrounding tissue and lead to disfigurement.
Where Does It Develop?
BCC most often appears on areas of the skin that receive frequent sun exposure—such as the face, nose, ears, neck, scalp, and back. However, it can occur anywhere on the body.
What Does It Look Like?
Basal Cell Carcinomas can vary in appearance, and are sometimes mistaken for a pimple or a minor skin irritation. Common signs include:
How Is It Treated?
Once a skin biopsy confirms the diagnosis and subtype of BCC (typically superficial, nodular, or infiltrative), treatment can be tailored to your specific case. Factors like tumor size, location, and overall health will determine the best approach.
Common treatment options include:
For tumors in sensitive or cosmetically important areas—or when the lesion is large or aggressive—Mohs Micrographic Surgery offers the highest cure rate. This specialized procedure allows for immediate examination of the tissue during surgery, ensuring all cancerous cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Compared to standard excision, which requires waiting 2–3 weeks for pathology results, Mohs Surgery provides real-time margin assessment during the procedure.
To learn more about Moh's Micrographic Surgery, click HERE.