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Basal Cell Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Skin Cancer
Of the potential 5.4 million skin cancer diagnoses each year in the United States, eight out of 10 are basal cell skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer. While these numbers may provide some comfort, cancer is still a serious diagnosis and requires the help of a specialist. As a surgical oncologist, Trevan Fischer, MD, is such a specialist, helping his patients in Santa Monica, California, put a halt to the disease. For expert diagnosis and treatment of basal cell skin cancer, call or fill out the online form to request a consultation. Dr. Fischer accepts patients across all of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Fullerton, Orange, Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, and Palm Springs.

Frequently Asked Question

What is basal cell skin cancer?

Your skin is largely made up of three different types of cells:

  • Squamous cells, which are flat cells along the surface of your skin
  • Basal cells below that work their way to the surface and become squamous cells
  • Melanocytes, which produce pigment, giving your skin its color

Basal cell carcinomas start in the basal cell layer of your skin, usually in areas that have been exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays — usually on your head, neck, and back of your hands.

Basal cell carcinoma is not known for spreading because doctors can easily remove the cancer, though going to a surgical oncologist like Dr. Fischer is a good idea since he knows how to remove the cancer completely to prevent a recurrence.

What are the signs of basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinomas present themselves in many different ways, including:

  • A white or skin-colored, translucent nodule that develops on your skin
  • A lesion on your skin that’s blue, black, or brown
  • A patch of red skin that’s raised and scaly
  • A white lesion that looks like scar tissue

At the first sign of any of the symptoms above, it’s a good idea to see Dr. Fischer for early detection and intervention.

How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed and treated?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Fischer examines the lesion and takes a sample of cells for study under a microscope.

If he finds evidence of cancer, the next step is for Dr. Fischer to surgically excise the cancerous lesion from your skin. To ensure that he removes all of the cancer, Dr. Fischer performs a wide local excision, removing the cancer and a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding the lesion to prevent a recurrence.

If you have a suspicious growth on your skin, call Trevan Fischer, MD, or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.