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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > B > Basal cell cancer

Basal cell cancer    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Rodent ulcer; Skin cancer - basal cell; Cancer - skin - basal cell

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the size, depth, and location of the cancer.

The carcinoma is removed through one of these procedures:

  • Scraping
  • Cauterization (burning)
  • Surgical removal, including microscopic shaving (Mohs' surgery)
  • Cryosurgery (freezing)
  • Radiation

Prognosis

Early treatment by a dermatologist may result in a cure rate of more than 95%. New sites of basal cell cancer can occur, so prevention should be diligent. Regular examination by a health care provider is required.

Complications

A complication of basal cell cancer is an invasion of adjacent tissues or structures, causing damage to their appearance and function. This is most worrisome around the nose, eyes, and ears.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any change occurs in the color, size, texture, or appearance of a skin lesion.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if pain, inflammation, bleeding, or itching occur in an existing skin lesion.

Ency. home > Disease > B > Basal cell cancer

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