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Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma: Your Options Explained
Published: Jul 03, 2024
Knowing the various treatment options for BCC can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Surgical Options
Surgery is often the first choice for treating BCC. Options include excision, where the tumor is cut out, and Mohs surgery, which removes the cancer layer by layer while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. These procedures have high cure rates, especially for small and superficial BCCs.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For those who cannot undergo surgery, there are non-surgical options like topical creams, laser therapy, and radiation. Topical treatments, such as imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil, are applied directly to the skin. These methods may be suitable for superficial BCCs or for patients with multiple lesions.
Emerging Therapies
New therapies, such as targeted drugs, are being developed to treat BCC. These drugs work by blocking specific pathways that BCC cells use to grow. While still under study, they offer hope for treating advanced or recurrent cases of BCC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery is the main treatment option.
Yes, including topical creams and radiation.
It removes cancer layer by layer.
Yes, targeted drugs are being studied.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right treatment for BCC depends on several factors, including the tumor's size and location.
References
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers.
- Verkouteren JAC, et al. Epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma: scholarly review.
- Rogers HW, et al. Incidence estimate of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United States.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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