BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
Basal cell carcinoma treatment, you have options!
When competently treated, a success rate of 95%+ is usually attained for basal cell carcinomas. The treatment will center on removing or destroying the cancer completely with as little scaring as possible. The doctor will plan the treatment based on several factors.
The following methods are commonly used to treat basal cell carcinomas:
Curettage and desiccation: Some dermatologists may prefer this method, where the basal cell carcinoma is scooped out using a curette, a spoon like instrument. Desiccation consists of applying an electric current to kill the remaining cancer cells and control bleeding. Since the skin heals without stitching, this technique is often the best choice for small cancers in less critical areas.
Surgical excision: The tumor is cut out and the wound is stitched up. The area removed is always considerably larger than the cancer itself. This is to help insure a complete removal but also makes this process less desirable for areas like on the nose etc.
Radiation therapy: For skin cancers occurring in areas that are difficult to treat with surgery, doctors often use radiation treatments. One drawback to this treatment is the number of treatment sessions that may be needed. Which sometimes may be as many as 30.
Cryosurgery: This treatment involves liquid nitrogen being applied to the growth so the abnormal cells are frozen and destoryed. Some surrounding cell are also usually killed in this process.
Mohs micrographic surgery: This technique, named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, is a method of removing skin cancer with a "microscopically controlled excision". MOHS surgery is usually the best choice for areas that are highly visible, like the nose, lips, eyebrows and ears. These are areas that you can't afford to lose extra skin and that is what MOHS does best. Removes the least amount of tissue.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Of course, prevention is the best cure, just stay out of direct sunlight, avoid tanning beds and other sources of UV radiation. But staying out of the sun isn't always an option, so, if you must be in the sun here is a list of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting basal cell skin cancer.
When competently treated, a success rate of 95%+ is usually attained for basal cell carcinomas. The treatment will center on removing or destroying the cancer completely with as little scaring as possible. The doctor will plan the treatment based on several factors.
- Where site is located
- Size of the skin cancer
- The skins scarring risk
- The age of the patient
- Patients medical history
The following methods are commonly used to treat basal cell carcinomas:
Curettage and desiccation: Some dermatologists may prefer this method, where the basal cell carcinoma is scooped out using a curette, a spoon like instrument. Desiccation consists of applying an electric current to kill the remaining cancer cells and control bleeding. Since the skin heals without stitching, this technique is often the best choice for small cancers in less critical areas.
Surgical excision: The tumor is cut out and the wound is stitched up. The area removed is always considerably larger than the cancer itself. This is to help insure a complete removal but also makes this process less desirable for areas like on the nose etc.
Radiation therapy: For skin cancers occurring in areas that are difficult to treat with surgery, doctors often use radiation treatments. One drawback to this treatment is the number of treatment sessions that may be needed. Which sometimes may be as many as 30.
Cryosurgery: This treatment involves liquid nitrogen being applied to the growth so the abnormal cells are frozen and destoryed. Some surrounding cell are also usually killed in this process.
Mohs micrographic surgery: This technique, named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, is a method of removing skin cancer with a "microscopically controlled excision". MOHS surgery is usually the best choice for areas that are highly visible, like the nose, lips, eyebrows and ears. These are areas that you can't afford to lose extra skin and that is what MOHS does best. Removes the least amount of tissue.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Of course, prevention is the best cure, just stay out of direct sunlight, avoid tanning beds and other sources of UV radiation. But staying out of the sun isn't always an option, so, if you must be in the sun here is a list of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting basal cell skin cancer.
- Wear a hat and other protective clothing
- Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 45 or higher every two hours
- Try to minimize the exposure between the hours of 11am and 3pm
- If possible, face away from the sun, move into shade when you can
- Avoid caffeine drinks, drink extra water to keep skin hydrated
Just use common sense and limit your risk as much as possible.
If you have to change your occupation, it's worth it.
If you have to alter some things in your lifestyle, it's worth it.
If you have to change your occupation, it's worth it.
If you have to alter some things in your lifestyle, it's worth it.
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Mohs Surgery, developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs at the Univerisity of Wisconsin, is a highly specialized technique used in the removal of skin cancers. This skin cancer surgery typically requires no hospitalization and can be performed on an outpatient basis in the doctors office. According to the American Society for Mohs Surgery, this technique is now used throughout the world and has the highest reported cure rate of any skin cancer treatment.
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