A 38-year-old member asked:
how to know what is basal cell carcinoma?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Brian Lawenda answered
Radiation Oncology 24 years experience
A common skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer type. It is frequently slow growing. They rarely metastasize. Typically, they occur in areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight. The cure rates are very high. Treatment is with either surgery or radiation therapy, although other techniques may also be employed. http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma.
5448 viewsReviewed May 8, 2019

Dr. Brock Ridenour answered
Plastic Surgery 36 years experience
Common Skin Cancer: Basal cell carcinoma (bce) is the most common malignancy in humans. It most often occurs in lighter skinned individuals in sun-exposed regions of the body (head and neck). Sun exposure is the primary risk factor but other factors exist including genetic conditions and immunosuppresion. There are several subtypes of bce. Excision is curative. High risk tumors should be treated by a moh's specialist.
5372 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. M. Christine Lee answered
Dermatology 28 years experience
Most common skin CA: Most common skin cancer caused usually by sun exposure with genetics also a factor especially skin type (more common in fair skin) and family history. More common on sun exposed areas of the body (ie: face, neck, scalp). Easily treated usually with surgery. Mohs micrographic surgery is the hold standard.
5208 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
Describe the features of basal cell carcinoma.?
5 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gurmukh Singh answered
Pathology 49 years experience
Non-healing ulcer: Basal cell carcinoma may present as an indolent, non-healing ulcer with spread to contiguous tissues. There may be nodules, pigment changes, bleeding and tissue destruction.
6040 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 24-year-old member asked:
How can I treat basal cell carcinoma?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Morris Westfried answered
Dermatology 46 years experience
Varies: Most basal cell are treated surgically by curettage, excision or mohs surgery. For superficial basal cells in very sick elderly topical medications can be used. In very difficult location radiation is use on occasion. For people with multiple basal cells or who can tolerate surgery there is a new fda approved medication which is very expensive.
6026 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Are any special tests needed, or can a regular doctor see me for my basal cell carcinoma?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Rahil Malik answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 10 years experience
Specialist: If its already diagnosed, you should see a specialist. Some insurance companies may require a referral from your primary in order to see a dermatologist. Check in with your insurance company.
6022 viewsAnswered May 29, 2020
A member asked:
Can basal cell carcinoma be cured?
3 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Donald Shenenberger answered
Dermatology 25 years experience
Basal Cell Carcinoma: As close to 100% yes as one can be. Of all the skin cancers bcc's are the most common and the one to have if you really had to pick a skin cancer to have. While there are very rare instances of metastatic bcc they are just that, by far the exception. However, if left untreated bccs can be very distractive locally. That's about as good an answer i can provide in the space given.
5996 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Joseph Eastern commented
Dermatology 44 years experience
He meant "destructive", but I agree completely; BCC is probably the most curable form of cancer.
Mar 2, 2012

Dr. Donald Shenenberger commented
Dermatology 25 years experience
Provided original answer
Thank you, I blame autocorrect. I did mean "destructive".
Mar 3, 2012
A member asked:
How come I have basal cell carcinoma, but nobody else in the family has it?
5 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in

Dr. Darab Hormozi answered
Plastic Surgery 38 years experience
Not familial: In general, basal cell carcinoma is not a genetically transmitted. It is mostly due to excessive sun exposure of the skin and cancerous transformation of damaged cells. It takes years to manifest itself and slow growing in general. Nevertheless, the less pigmentation in the skin, the more you are prone to get basal cell cancer. Sun protection is your best defense against it.
5994 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated May 8, 2019
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