UT Southwestern Medical Center has physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of skin cancer. They will diagnose the type of skin cancer you have and then recommend the best treatment options for you.
Symptoms
Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma can include a change in the appearance of your skin. When this happens, you should visit a healthcare provider right away. The doctor will examine the sore and look for signs of cancer. If your doctor finds something suspicious, the sore will be removed.
Basal cell carcinoma occurs when DNA changes occur in the basal cells, which are microscopic cells that are found in the outer layer of your skin. These cells are responsible for making new skin cells. They also push older skin cells to the surface of your epidermis.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually occurs on parts of your skin that are regularly exposed to the sun. It can also spread to nearby lungs, lymph nodes, and bones. It is most common in people with fair skin.
Basal cell carcinoma can be easily treated if caught early. Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of cancer. Some basal cell carcinomas will be treated with chemotherapy drugs applied to the skin, while others may require surgery or radiation therapy.
Basal cell carcinomas usually appear as small bumps, lumps, or patches of skin. They may be white, pink, or translucent. They can also be raised or flat. The skin may also be itchy or shiny. Some basal cell carcinomas may break open and form a scab. These lumps may have tiny blood vessels on the surface.
Basal cell carcinomas can also be mistaken for other skin problems, such as a rash or a harmless pimple. They can be confused with benign skin lesions and even harmless scars.
If you are worried that you may have basal cell carcinoma, a dermatologist can help. He or she can take a tissue sample and check it for abnormalities. They can also perform a biopsy, which involves cutting a small amount of tissue from the area and examining it. If there is cancer present, your doctor will remove the lesion in the office or with surgery.
Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal. However, they can cause serious cosmetic damage.
Diagnosis
Despite being the most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages of the disease. However, early diagnosis can have great benefits for the patient. It’s also important to remember that it is relatively uncommon for basal cell carcinoma to metastasize.
Usually, the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is made after a skin biopsy. The biopsy helps doctors evaluate the risk of recurrence and determine the appropriate treatment for the patient.
The most common type of basal cell carcinoma is nodular basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer usually starts as a small, firm growth that looks like a pimple. However, it may also appear as a flat, pink bump. The tumor may also have visible blood vessels.
Depending on the type of basal cell carcinoma, treatment may include surgery or radiation therapy. The best treatment for the cancer is determined by its size, location, and whether it has spread to other areas of the body.
In the case of small basal cell carcinomas, topical treatments might be suggested. Topical treatments may involve scraping cancer with a tool called a curet. For larger basal cell carcinomas, surgery may be needed to remove cancer. During surgery, the doctor will remove the lesion and then test it for cancer.
Another treatment for basal cell carcinoma is radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill cancer. Radiation therapy can be used after surgery, and in some cases, it may be recommended even if surgery is not a possibility.
Photodynamic therapy may also be used to treat basal cell carcinoma. This treatment involves using a laser to damage cancer.
Although basal cell carcinomas are slow-growing, they can still cause damage to the local area. In some cases, a basal cell carcinoma may break open into a scab. The skin around cancer may become thin and scaly, or it may be itchy.
Basal cell carcinomas are most common in people who have a history of excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can come from the sun or a tanning bed. In addition, arsenic exposure and genetic predisposition are also significant risk factors.
Treatment options
Approximately two million people are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) every year. This type of cancer usually begins in the top layer of the skin. But it can start in other areas as well. It tends to occur in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. If it is detected early, it is generally curable. But if it has spread, other treatments may be needed.
Basal cell carcinoma treatment options include surgery, topical medications, and radiation. Some of these procedures may be performed at the doctor’s office, while others require a hospital. Treatment options are determined by the type and location of cancer, as well as the patient’s health.
Surgical treatment includes excision. A doctor will evaluate the size and location of cancer and then recommend a treatment. If the cancer is small, surgery is often enough to cure the condition. However, if it is large, nonsurgical treatments may be recommended.
Topical medications include imiquimod, which kills cancer cells by destroying virus-infected cells. Imiquimod also activates cytotoxic T cells, which destroy tumors. Vismodegib, an oral drug, is also used to treat advanced BCC. It blocks the “Hedgehog” pathway, which is responsible for signaling cancer cells to grow.
Another treatment option for basal cell carcinoma is photodynamic therapy. This treatment involves the use of a drug that collects in the cancer cells and works when exposed to light. The drug’s action causes little damage to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. This type of treatment has not been studied extensively and is pending further investigation.
The most common skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, can be treated effectively. The early detection of basal cell cancer is critical, and getting treatment as soon as possible can prevent permanent scarring.
Nonsurgical treatments include superficial radiation therapy. Superficial radiotherapy is done without requiring a hospital stay or a long recovery time.
Mohs micrographic surgery is also an option. Mohs surgery is performed by a surgeon who examines each layer of skin under a microscope. The surgeon then removes the cancerous tissue one layer at a time. This method is favored over other surgical procedures for its lower recurrence rate and higher cure rate.
UT Southwestern’s experts diagnose and treat all types of skin cancer
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s experts diagnose and treat all types of skin cancer. They offer full-service dermatology care, including surgical procedures, cosmetic dermatology, diagnostic imaging, and advanced medical technologies. They also provide treatment for uncommon skin diseases.
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This is a type of skin cancer that develops in the epidermis or the top layer of the skin. BCC often forms after years of frequent exposure to the sun. It can penetrate into other parts of the body and can cause damage to organs and nerves. In addition, BCC can sometimes grow into bones and muscles, so it is important to diagnose it early.
Another type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cells are found in the outer layer of the skin. They grow quickly and are more likely to spread to other parts of the body than basal cell carcinoma. They can be removed by shaving them off or by using liquid nitrogen. In some cases, a doctor may recommend chemotherapy to treat cancer.
Melanoma is a skin cancer that occurs in the skin’s melanocytes or the cells that produce pigment. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body but is less common than basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma is usually dark, but can also be pink. Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer.
Skin cancer may appear as a small, red, firm bump on the skin. It can be easily diagnosed. It may also be present as a mole, which is a growth that looks like a dark brown lump. If you have a mole, check it regularly. If you see a new one, ask your doctor to check it for you. You should also check your skin when changing clothes.
Other symptoms include a sore that doesn’t heal or a new mole that grows rapidly. Your doctor can diagnose skin cancer with a biopsy, which involves removing a tiny sample of the growth. It is often performed in the dermatologist’s office. After the biopsy, your doctor will discuss the best course of action to treat your skin cancer.
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