A 38-year-old member asked:
How to know what is basal cell carcinoma?
3 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Brian Lawendaanswered
Radiation Oncology 26 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Brock Ridenouranswered
Plastic Surgery 38 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. M. Christine Leeanswered
Dermatology 30 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
What exactly is basal cell carcinoma?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
Slow but must treat: These begin as little ulcers or nodules, often on the face and with easy-to-see vessels. They are best removed surgically; though they seldom spread to remote sites, they can destroy the face and invade the brain if they are ignored. Today's surgery leaves minimal scarring.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Thompson commented
Hematology and Oncology 22 years experience
Agree, but for locally advanced or metastatic BCC a new drug has recently been approved -- vismodegib (Erivedge, Genentech)
Jul 11, 2012
A 30-year-old member asked:
What are the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bryan McIntoshanswered
Plastic Surgery 21 years experience
Raised skin lesion: Usually basal cell carcinoma presents as a relatively small, round, raised, pearly skin lesion. It can be smooth or have a small central depression. There may be a purplish or reddish color to the lesion. Usually it is isolated and single and quite slow to grow. There is rarely any pain or itching or any other sign that there is a problem. Of all skin cancers, basal cell is the least aggressive.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What causes basal cell carcinoma?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Peppercornanswered
Dermatology 45 years experience
Basal cell: Years of sun damage or exposure to radiation treatment or arsenic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
What is basal cell carcinoma and how is it treated?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jay Bradleyanswered
Cornea, Cataract, & Refractive (LASIK & PRK) Surgery 20 years experience
Basal cell carcinoma: This is a type of cancer which commonly occurs in the skin. It is treated with excisional biopsy in most cases. See your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jay Bradleyanswered
Cornea, Cataract, & Refractive (LASIK & PRK) Surgery 20 years experience
Basal cell carcinoma: This type of tumor is diagnosed by clinical appearance and confirmed by excisional biopsy in most cases.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 8, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.