Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Cancer Treatment in Meridian, ID
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer with an estimated 20% of Americans developing one over their lifetime. It fortunately has a very high cure rate and a low risk of metastasis because it grows slowly. However, it can be quite destructive and disfiguring if neglected for too long. Most BCC is thought to be caused by too much sun exposure, sunburns, and UV rays from tanning beds. With early detection, most can be cured with minimal lasting damage.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal
Basal cell carcinoma surgery is an outpatient surgery. BCC caught early may only need topical chemotherapy or electrodessication and curettage (ED&C). For more invasive BCC we frequently utilize advanced surgical techniques including Mohs micrographic surgery for treatment. Mohs surgery provides the highest cure rate and minimizes the amount of skin that is removed. Because of this, it is the ideal treatment choice for cancer of the head and neck. It leaves the finest scar possible and our doctors at Mountain Pine Dermatology have completed advanced training to become experts in this type of surgery. They are leaders in skin cancer surgery for the Treasure Valley. Learn more about Mohs micrographic surgery.
Types
Basal cell carcinoma appearance can be variable. Below are a few of the most common ways it can appear.
Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma – The most common form of BCC. Appears as a shiny bump usually on the scalp, ears, neck, nose, eyelid, or anywhere on the face.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma – The second most common form of BCC, this usually shows up on your back and is a red and sometimes itchy spot.
Infiltrative Basal Cell Carcinoma – This includes Morpheaform (sclerosing) and micronodular basal cell cancer. This is not as common and more aggressive. It penetrates deeper into the skin and is harder to treat. Has a waxy white or yellow scar like appearance.
Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma - Looks like a scar, but slowly increases in size. It is not raised, but flat or caved in.
Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma - This type has a brown color inside the diseased area. Usually the raised border does not have pigment and is light in color. However, sometimes it looks like melanoma because the brown color can affect the entire area.
Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma – The most common form of BCC. Appears as a shiny bump usually on the scalp, ears, neck, nose, eyelid, or anywhere on the face.
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma – The second most common form of BCC, this usually shows up on your back and is a red and sometimes itchy spot.
Infiltrative Basal Cell Carcinoma – This includes Morpheaform (sclerosing) and micronodular basal cell cancer. This is not as common and more aggressive. It penetrates deeper into the skin and is harder to treat. Has a waxy white or yellow scar like appearance.
Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma - Looks like a scar, but slowly increases in size. It is not raised, but flat or caved in.
Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma - This type has a brown color inside the diseased area. Usually the raised border does not have pigment and is light in color. However, sometimes it looks like melanoma because the brown color can affect the entire area.
Risk Factors
- Chronic sun exposure
- Radiation therapy
- Fair skin
- Increasing age
- Family history of skin cancer
- Long term use of immunosuppressive drugs
Prevention
- Avoid the sun
- Use sunscreen
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid tanning beds
- Check your skin regularly for early stage basal cell skin cancer detection
Catching BCC growths on your skin early is key to curing it with minimal lasting effects. Untreated basal cell carcinoma can result in cancer enlargement and require more involved surgery, which could lead to larger, lasting scars and create possible complications. The longer it remains untreated, the deeper, more widespread, and harder to cure it becomes.
If you observe any new growths on your skin, have sores that won’t heal, or have an untreated basal cell carcinoma, call Mountain Pine Dermatology at 208-898-7467 right away. Our team is committed to treating our patients with personalized, compassionate care.
Customer Reviews
“Dr. Perry is so kind and really takes his time to listen to you. He is an excellent skin cancer surgeon & I am so thankful for his time and expertise!”
– Allison M..
– Allison M..
Call us at 208-898-7467
to schedule your consultation at an office near you. Besides our main office in Meridian, we have offices in Emmett, Caldwell, Mountain Home, and Baker City, OR.