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1100 S Eliseo Dr Ste 2 • Greenbrae, CA 94904-2017

Basal Cell Carcinoma

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Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer with more than 800,000 occurring in the United States annually. They are the result of significant sun exposure with more than 90% occurring on predominantly sun exposed areas. Basal cell carcinomas rarely metastasize or spread, but they do not go away on their own and are locally destructive to surrounding tissue and can cause loss of an ear, nose, etc. if left untreated.

Basal cell carcinomas are usually slow growing. They may present as a small pimple-like growth with a fine, pearly border, as a shiny persistently pink area, a scar, or as a sore that will not heal. They may or may not be pigmented.

Basal cell carcinomas have a high cure rate. The type of basal cell carcinoma, its size and location are all used to determine the most appropriate treatment. A biopsy of a suspected lesion will help decide the best method of treatment. Treatment could include electrodessication and curettage (removal by scraping and cauterizing with an electric needle)which is the most tissue sparing, surgical excision, cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen), topical anti-cancer agents, Mohs micrographic controlled surgery, or x-ray therapy.

Studies show that a person who develops one basal cell carcinoma has a 43% risk of getting a second basal cell carcinoma within five years. It is important to have a full body skin examination at least once a year and to do regular self-exams. Be alert to any non-healing sores or lesions that are growing, changing, or bleeding and make an appointment with your dermatologist. Also, because basal cell carcinoma is most frequently caused by the sun’s rays, proper sun protection is important.