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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Board-Certified Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Brentwood and Nashville, TN

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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Board-Certified Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Brentwood and Nashville, TN

GENERAL

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Did you know, with over 4 million new cases diagnosed each year, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer in the United States? And while that may sound scary, if detected in its early stages, most types of basal cell carcinoma have a very high cure rate and can easily be treated.

However, with the number of BCC cases continually on the rise, it’s essential to learn more about this common type of skin cancer, such as what causes it and how to identify its warning signs. Our board-certified dermatologists in Brentwood use minimally-invasive treatments to remove basal cell carcinoma cancers. We also provide cancer screenings in the Greater Nashville area to identify BCC and other skin cancers.

NON-MELANOMA

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a form of non-melanoma skin cancer that develops in the basal cells, which are cells located in the bottom layer of the epidermis (uppermost layer of skin). When basal cells become mutated due to cell DNA damage, they begin to reproduce out of control, which causes cancer.

When left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body and cause life-threatening conditions. When treated early, it can be removed easily with a minimal impact to your daily routine.

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, have a family history of skin cancer, or have had skin cancer previously, you are probably have an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma. Schedule a skin screening at our Brentwood dermatology office to assess your risk or to find out if you have BCC.

QUESTIONS

Basal Cell Carcinoma FAQs

We’ve included answers to some of the most common questions asked by our patients below. For answers to more specific questions about basal cell carcinoma, contact our Brentwood Dermatology office.

Similar to other forms of skin cancer, there’s strong evidence that basal cell carcinoma is most likely caused by unprotected and excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Over time, this UV exposure damages cell DNA and can cause cell mutations. When a mutation occurs in the basal cells, these cells begin to reproduce out of control. This process of rapid cell reproduction is what we call cancer.

Yes, basal cell carcinoma can spread. However, unlike many other types of cancers, basal cell carcinoma is slow-growing and doesn’t spread to other parts of the body easily.

BCCs are typically found on the neck, face, shoulders, back, and ears, but they can occur anywhere on the body. If you’re experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, it’s important to visit a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough skin evaluation and professional diagnosis.

A symptom or warning sign of basal cell carcinoma includes an irritated reddish patch, which may form a crust and begin to itch or hurt.
However, BCC can take several different forms. In many cases, it may seem like a small bump that grows very slowly. Other symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include:

  • A small spot with an indentation in the center
  • Scaly patch, especially near the ears
  • Sore that either doesn’t heal or heals but keeps returning
  • Round growth that can be pink, red, brown, tan, black, or skin-colored
  • Scar-like skin that isn’t from an injury

Basal cell carcinoma is certainly malignant, as it grows and invades surrounding tissue. However, it very rarely metastasizes, or spreads to other parts of the body. That said, if left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can grow deep into the bone and nearby tissue. With enough time, BCC tumors can be disfiguring and deadly.

If you notice a suspicious spot on your body, it’s important to get it professionally checked by a board-certified dermatologist. After a skin evaluation and biopsy, if the results come back positive for basal cell carcinoma, though this type of skin cancer grows slowly, it’s important to get it treated as quickly as possible.

The earlier BCC is treated, the less invasive the procedure and the more likely it is to be removed completely. You can schedule a skin cancer screening at our dermatology office in Brentwood to get started.

PHOTOS

Basal Cell Carcinoma

We’ve included a few photos below as examples of how basal cell carcinoma typically appears. If you have similar blemishes on your skin, we can treat basal cell carcinoma in Nashville at our Brentwood dermatology office.

Contact

Request an Appointment at Brentwood Dermatology for Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Interested in knowing more about basal cell carcinoma or need to schedule a thorough skin evaluation? The expert team at Brentwood Dermatology are here to help! Remember, the sooner you identify and diagnose BCC, the better your chances of treating it are.

So don’t wait. Our Nashville dermatologists are ready to help. Call Brentwood Dermatology at (615) 377-3448 or Schedule an appointment online today.

Contact Us Today

Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 615.377.3448.

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