Basal cell carcinoma can be emotionally challenging when discovered on visible areas of the body; we understand that at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center. That’s why double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Chang and physician assistants Kelsey Faux-Dugan and Jennifer Latteri offer surgical treatment options for basal cell carcinoma in Newark, Delaware.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cells are the deepest layer of cells in the epidermis (outer layer of skin). They continuously divide to produce new skin cells, helping to renew and repair the surface. Basal cell carcinoma occurs when these cells undergo abnormal, uncontrolled growth due to DNA damage.
Unlike other cancers, basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, it can cause significant local tissue damage and disfigurement if left untreated, making early detection and removal essential for preserving both health and appearance.
Basal cell carcinoma represents the most common form of skin cancer, with approximately 2.8 million new diagnoses occurring each year in the United States. It has a lifetime incidence rate of roughly 30%, making it a significant health concern.
Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma
This condition commonly presents as a small, pearly, or waxy bump that bleeds easily when touched. Individuals who observe a persistent cut or a sore that fails to heal despite proper wound care should seek immediate medical attention. Those who notice crusty skin areas with a raised, pearly appearance may be experiencing the early signs.
Risk Factors For Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma frequently develops in correlation with sun exposure and other forms of ultraviolet radiation. Other associated risk factors can include:
- Fair skin complexion
- Genetic predisposition
- Exposure to radiation
- Compromised immune system
- Being over the age of 50
Diagnosis and Assessment
During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your skin using advanced diagnostic techniques to determine the extent and characteristics of the suspicious lesion. Our medical team carefully examines the size, location, and appearance of potential basal cell carcinomas while reviewing your medical history and sun exposure patterns. We typically identify basal cell carcinoma through visual inspection and confirmatory biopsy.
Treatment Options
We perform surgical excision procedures designed to completely remove the cancerous tissue while preserving the surrounding healthy skin. Local removal with appropriate margins may be sufficient for smaller basal cell carcinomas in less cosmetically sensitive areas (like the back or legs).
But when one is located on the face or neck, or has grown to a significant size, we may recommend Mohs surgery. This sophisticated approach involves removing cancerous tissue layer by layer, with immediate microscopic examination to ensure complete cancer elimination while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue.
What to Expect After Treatment
Recovery experiences vary depending on the surgical approach selected and the location of the treated area. Patients can expect minimal discomfort for simple excision procedures, with healing typically occurring within two to three weeks. The surgical site may initially experience slight tenderness and swelling, but these symptoms resolve as healing progresses.
Initial healing from Mohs surgery occurs within the first week, with any minor swelling or discomfort subsiding during this time. Complete healing may take several weeks, depending on the size and location of the excision. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing progress and ensure optimal results.
Benefits of Basal Cell Carcinoma Therapy
- Complete elimination of cancerous tissue
- Prevention of local tissue damage and disfigurement
- Peace of mind through professional medical care
- Preservation of surrounding healthy tissue
- Minimal scarring with expert surgical techniques
- High cure rates with appropriate treatment
FAQs
Come in For an Examination
Effective treatment options are available for basal cell carcinoma in Newark, Delaware. While prevention remains the best approach, early detection and treatment provide excellent outcomes. Contact Advanced Plastic Surgery Center today for your personalized treatment strategy.