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For effective treatment of basal cell carcinoma, Boston patients come to Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent type of skin cancer that starts in basal cells. Basal cells are a type of skin cell that regenerates new skin cells as old ones die.
Cancer of the basal cells materializes as tumors on the skin’s surface. Sores, red spots, and lumps are common symptoms of these tumors.
Basal cell carcinoma does not travel from the skin to other regions of the body, but it can invade bone or other tissue beneath the skin. Several treatments are available at Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic to prevent this from occurring and to eradicate the malignancy.
What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma?
The majority of basal cell carcinomas are caused by unprotected skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and man-made sources like tanning beds and radiation. Scars, infections, and burns can all contribute to the development of BCC.
Basal cell carcinoma is commonly found on frequently sun-exposed parts of the body, including the face, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. One’s genes can also contribute to an elevated chance of acquiring this cancer.
How to Diagnose Basal Cell Carcinoma
The first step in detecting basal cell carcinoma will be an examination by a dermatologist. They’ll inspect your skin for any abnormalities or discolorations. They’ll also inquire about your medical history, particularly if you have a family history of skin cancer.
If your dermatologist discovers any discolorations or suspicious growths on your skin, a biopsy will be performed to diagnose whether you have basal cell carcinoma. In order to accomplish this, a numbing substance will be injected into the skin before a small sample of the lesion is removed for testing. A microscope will be used to examine the sample for signs of skin cancer.
How to Treat Basal Cell Carcinoma
The site, type, and size of the basal cell carcinoma, as well as your age and overall health, will determine your treatment options. Treatment entails the removal of the growth. You may not require any further treatment if the BCC was removed during the biopsy.
The most commonly used treatment for basal cell carcinoma is surgery. This involves removing the skin patch, as well as adjacent normal-looking tissue. To ensure that the malignancy has been eliminated, the tissue surrounding the skin area will be examined. If cancer cells persist, you may require more surgery.
Basal cell carcinoma can also be treated with cryosurgery, which does not require any cutting but does require anesthesia. It’s used to treat malignancies that aren’t very thick and don’t go very deep into the skin. Liquid nitrogen can be used to freeze and kill malignant cells. There’s a chance of nerve injury at the spot, which could lead to numbness.
Immunotherapy creams and lotions, curettage and electrodessication, phototherapy, and Mohs micrographic surgery are only a few of the alternative treatment options available for basal cell carcinoma, particularly in cases with superficial symptoms.
Recovery
Treatments for basal cell carcinoma are frequently only minimally invasive and are quick to recover from. As the treated site heals, many patients will experience discomfort. A post-surgical mark is a typical side effect of BCC treatment. Follow your doctor’s after-treatment instructions to reduce the appearance of surgical marks.
Basal cell carcinoma has a significant chance of recurrence. Always use sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun’s rays. Your doctor will prescribe over-the-counter ointments to apply numerous times a day to the treated area, and it must be kept covered with a bandage to help it heal. It is critical to keep the site clean at all times.
Contact Us to Learn More
Contact Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic today to schedule a consultation and learn more about basal cell carcinoma in Boston. Our team of medical professionals will be happy to address any queries you may have.
Your procedure will be performed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Franks in Boston, MS.