BCC & SCC

Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment on the Gulf Coast

Basal and squamous cell carcinoma are two of the most common types of skin cancer. Although not as aggressive or as dangerous as melanoma, these two cancers are serious and should be treated immediately. Infirmary Cancer Care has experience in treating both types of skin cancers and has specialists on staff who will work with our treatment team to ensure that you are given the best possible care.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in the United States. Fortunately, it is also the easiest to treat. Beginning in the basal cells, this type of cancer affects the cells that replace old skin with new skin.

This type of cancer can look quite different for each patient. The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include a pink or white bump in the skin, a lesion with a blue, black or brown color, a reddish patch that is flat and scaly or a scar-like lesion that looks white or waxy. If your skin looks this way or you notice an unusual bump or change in skin color, see your doctor. The risk factors for this disease include having fairer skin, being elderly, chronic sun exposure, exposure to such metals as arsenic, family history of this type of cancer and previous radiation therapy.

Usually, this type of cancer can be diagnosed through a biopsy of the affected area. A doctor will examine the biopsy to determine whether there is cancer and whether more tests are needed. The most common treatment for basal cell carcinoma is the surgical removal of the lesion. If more treatment is required then your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Ways to prevent this type of cancer include avoiding indirect exposure to the sun, wearing a high SPF sunscreen and protective clothing, limiting the use of tanning beds and self-screening regularly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a skin cancer that affects the middle and outer skin layers and is the second most common cancer of the skin. This type of cancer usually develops from UV or sunlight radiation or prolonged use of tanning equipment. Squamous cell carcinoma usually manifests itself as firm red nodules, a sore or patch with a red color, an open sore that began as a scaly patch or a new sore on a healed ulcer.

Those at the greatest risk for the development of this disease include individuals who have spent much of their life in the sun and individuals with a family history of the disease. African Americans and Asian Indians are also at a much higher risk of developing SCC. This is especially true for African Americans, who have a much higher risk of the SCC metastasizing.

If you develop SCC, your doctor will remove the lesion using a surgical procedure and then conduct follow-ups to ensure that the cancer has been completely removed. Usually, this process is comparatively simple depending on how advanced the cancer is and how far it has spread.

If you suffer from basal or squamous cell carcinoma, contact Infirmary Cancer Care today to begin your treatment.