Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, William Gillen, MD, and Patricia O'Connor, MD, offer treatment for this type of cancer that usually appears as a bump or pinkish patch of skin. If you suspect you have basal cell carcinoma or any form of skin cancer, contact the office right away to set up an appointment. Call either Richmond-area office to speak with a team member or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer that usually appears in places exposed to the sun, such as your head, neck, arms, and chest. Some cases of basal cell carcinoma appear on the abdomen or legs. If not treated early, basal cell carcinoma can invade and destroy the surrounding tissues causing ulceration, pain, or itching in the tissue surrounding the original lesion. This can be especially dangerous on the face with lesions in close proximity to the eyes, mouth or ears.
What are the signs of basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma tends to start as a small, shiny bump. It grows slowly and may take years to infiltrate surrounding tissue. It:
Early diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma dramatically increases your chances of complete treatment with the best cosmetic result. This is especially important in the sensitive locations in which this cancer tends to develop. Four million cases are diagnosed in the United States every year. Most of these will follow the above, typical presentation and slow-growing course, but there are more aggressive and fast-growing subtypes. Again, early diagnosis and treatment of the utmost importance.
What is the treatment for basal cell carcinoma?
The doctors at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center aim to completely remove your cancer and leave as small a scar as possible. Your treatment depends on the size and location of the cancer, as well as its subtype and stage of development. These factors will determine how aggressive treatment needs to be.
Complete removal with surgical excision using standard margins or using the Mohs surgical technique has the highest cure rates for more dangerous subtypes and on higher-risk locations. In both of these techniques, the area to be treated is locally numbed and tissue is taken for microscopic examination to ensure cancer-free margins. Dr. Gillen is a skilled Mohs surgeon who can remove basal cell carcinoma on some of the most delicate areas of your body, specifically the face, scalp, ears and lower legs where there is not as much tissue laxity or 'wiggle room' for standard margins.
In some less aggressive subtypes, the doctors may scrape the tumor away and use electricity to kill the cancerous cells, a treatment known as curettage and desiccation. Superficial basal cell carcinomas can also be treated using a topical immunomodulating cream.
The team at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center will work together and with you and your particular case to determine the treatment that's best for you.
If you suspect a bump on your body is basal cell carcinoma, don't hesitate to call the Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. Call or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
References and Resources:
https://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinomaSkin cancer is the most common form of cancer and can be dangerous if it's left untreated. Routine skin cancer screenings with one of our expert team members at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center located in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, ensure early detection and treatment to prevent complications. Call our office or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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Mohs surgery is a very safe and effective outpatient surgical procedure for removing certain types of skin cancer. This technique focuses on the complete removal of the skin cancer with a cure rate as high as 98-99% depending on the cancer type, size, and location. Our Mohs surgeons, William Gillen and Shields Callahan, MD at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center are fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons located in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia. Using a microscope to examine the margins, they can be very precise in determining when the cancer has been removed, thus preserving normal surrounding tissues and allowing the smallest possible surgical wound.
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Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer typically on sun-exposed skin that can arise from the pre-cancers, actinic keratoses. Seeking treatment early for any unusual, painful, or non-healing site can prevent serious complications associated with skin cancer. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, William Gillen, MD, Patricia O’Connor, MD, and their team diagnose and treat squamous cell carcinoma by removing skin lesions with surgical techniques, including Mohs surgery, or other more conservative procedures, if appropriate. Call the nearest Richmond-area office today, or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, William Gillen, MD, and Patricia O’Connor, MD, offer treatment for this type of cancer that usually appears as a bump or pinkish patch of skin. If you suspect you have basal cell carcinoma or any form of skin cancer, contact the office right away to set up an appointment. Call either Richmond-area office to speak with a team member or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that kills thousands of people each year. William Gillen, MD, Patricia O'Connor, MD, and the team of professionals at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, are committed to finding and diagnosing melanoma at its earliest stages which is crucial for treatment. In these early stages, treatment can be done in our office. When necessary, our skilled providers are experienced in developing interdisciplinary treatment plans. Above all, they are dedicated to educating their patients on skin cancer prevention. Schedule your skin cancer screening today by calling the nearest Richmond-area office or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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Skin disorders can look unsightly, be embarrassing, or in some cases, indicate skin cancer. At Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, William Gillen, MD, Patricia O’Connor, MD, and their experienced team treat lumps, bumps, and rashes in patients of all ages. Call either Richmond-area office to schedule an appointment or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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If you want to rejuvenate your appearance by minimizing facial wrinkles and fine lines, then injectables may be right for you. Patricia O'Connor, MD, and Eliza Hester PA-C at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center provide high-quality injectables and customized plans for their patients in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia. Schedule an injectables consultation today by calling either Richmond-area office, or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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Roughly 7.4 million people in the United States are bothered by psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, joints, and less commonly the cardiovascular system. If you have psoriasis, schedule a visit with a member of our general dermatology team at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia. A group of well-versed providers in the variety of treatment options available for psoriasis and will develop a plan to help you find relief from your condition. Booking an appointment is easy. Simply call the nearest Richmond-area office or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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Eczema is a skin condition that causes reddened and scaling skin and uncomfortable itching. Occasionally, this broken skin can become infected leading to pain and oozing. Our team at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Glen Allen and Chesterfield, Virginia, can help you manage eczematous conditions so you can live as normal and healthy of a life as possible and prevent the flares and infections associated with a broken skin barrier. Call either of the Richmond-area offices today to schedule your appointment and get relief from symptoms or, send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.
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