Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a specific form of skin cancer that is extremely treatable when caught early. In fact, it has a 95% chance of being cured when caught in the early stages.

Dr. Vivian Bucay is an experienced dermatologist who can address any concerns you may have regarding this form of skin cancer. She can help diagnosis and treat an existing case or create a prevention plan that helps keep you safe and healthy.

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Skin cancer is a general term that is applied to several different types of cancers. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that specifically targets the basal cells within the skin. This specific skin cell is responsible for the producing new skin when your old skin flakes off or dies.

What Causes Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Scientists are uncertain exactly what causes basal cell carcinoma, but there could be a link between the development of this cancer and prolonged exposure to sunlight. The harsh UV rays from the sun are believed to damage the basal cells and cause the cancer to form.

What are Some Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma has several symptoms that are relatively easy to spot. The most common symptom of this type of skin cancer is a small sore that either does not heal or is extremely slow to heal. This sore will typically appears as a small open wound. It can scab over, but it will often reopen and bleed.

Another common symptom of basal cell carcinoma is a white, pearly bump. This bump will typically appear on the neck or other area that has been exposed to direct sunlight. The bump will appear white and waxy at first glance, but upon closer inspection it will have visible blood vessels.

Other less common symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include patches of skin that appear flat, scaly or discolored, and a thin white/waxy scar.

Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma can appear anywhere on the skin, but typically happen on parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun. However, it is not uncommon for symptoms to appear on other parts of the body, too.

How is Basal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed?

A full body skin cancer screening can help with the early detection of basal cell carcinoma. Dr. Vivian Bucay specializes in conducting a complete full body screening for any indication of skin cancer.

If anything suspicious is found during the screening, Dr. Bucay will conduct a biopsy. The biopsy will help accurately diagnosis the type of skin cancer. Accurate diagnosis is important for creating a personalized treatment plan.

Once the full body skin cancer screening is complete, Dr. Bucay can help you create a treatment and prevention plan. Prevention plans include the regular use of sunscreen, avoiding direct sunlight, and receiving regular skin cancer screenings.