Diagnosis And Treatment Methods For Basal Cell Carcinoma
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A transparent bump on your skin may be unsightly, especially when it appears on some regions of your body, like your face and chest. A medical diagnosis for skin lesions is essential because bumps like basal cell carcinoma are cancerous and require prompt treatment. If you have this skin condition, you can visit Dr. Wendy Long Mitchell, who will examine and offer a suitable treatment method for you.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal Cell Carcinoma is a cancerous condition that occurs in your skin's basal cells. It may appear as a small clear bump on parts of your skin that are constantly exposed to the sun, like your neck and face. The skin lesion has characteristics such as:
A scaly reddish bump that may grow more prominent over time, forming on your chest or back.
A brown, blue, or black lesion that may contain precise edges.
A white or pink bump that is clear mostly appears on your face. It may bleed and cause scabbing.
Factors that cause basal cell carcinoma
Ultraviolet rays from the sun may cause damage to your DNA and result in basal cell carcinoma. However, other factors may increase your risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, including:
Radiation therapy. This treatment therapy for skin conditions like acne may cause the development of basal cell carcinoma on the treatment sites.
Light-colored skin. If you have fair skin, you may quickly develop this condition.
Chronic sun exposure makes your skin absorb ultraviolet rays, which causes basal cell carcinoma.
Advanced age. As you get older, your chances of developing this condition get higher.
Family history. If a family member had skin cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
Immune-suppressing drugs. Medications such as anti-rejection drugs taken after surgery make you susceptible to skin cancer.
Exposure to arsenic. This metal occurs naturally in the environment. Drinking well water exposes you more to arsenic which causes skin cancer.
Examination and treatment for basal cell carcinoma
Your doctor at Manhattan Dermatology will examine your skin and inquire about any medications you may be using before administering treatment.
Your dermatologist may conduct a skin biopsy to determine if the bump on your skin is cancerous.
When your biopsy results are in, your doctor will write a pathology report explaining the type of basal cell carcinoma you might be having and how far cancer has grown. Based on your results, your doctor may use different treatment options, including:
Surgical excision. During this surgical procedure, your dermatologist will cut out the cancerous lesion and surrounding skin and examine it to check for cancer cells.
Mohs surgery. Your doctor will remove each layer of the bump making sure no cancerous cells remain.
Curettage and electrodessication. This involves removing the lesion using a curet. Your doctor will then use an electric needle to sear.
Freezing. Your doctor may use liquid nitrogen to freeze cancer cells and scrape off the dead skin using a curet.
Topical treatment. When you do not require surgery, your doctor may prescribe ointments and creams to treat the bump.
You can improve your skin’s condition by getting rid of lesions. Reserve a session with your dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology to get treated for basal cell carcinoma.
