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Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Santa Barbara, CA

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Dr. Keith Llewellyn offers treatment for basal cell carcinoma for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and the surrounding areas of California.

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma in the most common form of skin cancer.  It can have many different appearances.  Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a sore or ulceration that will not heal, a new “bug bite” or “acne bump” that does not go away or a new skin color bump.   Often it will appear as a pink and red patches of skin that resemble a rash, but do not move around and do not respond to rash treatments.  Other times, basal cell carcinoma may appear as  scar-like areas in sites where there has been no previous trauma.   Because basal cell carcinoma starts in the basal layer of skin it may grow for some time before presenting itself at the surface of the skin.  As it is typically caused by sunlight, including an accumulation of sun exposure or short episodes of intense sun exposure it is most frequently found on sun exposed skin. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads.  It should be treated, however,  because it can grow and invade tissues locally.  Signs of basal cell carcinoma include:

  • Open sores that are crusted, oozing or bleeding that may heal and reopen or not heal at all
  • Red, scaly patches of skin that are itching or painful on the legs, face, arms, and other areas that are exposed to sunlight
  • Lumps or bumps that are reddish or skin colored
  • Scar like areas with no preceding truama to the site

How Much Does Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma Cost?

Once you meet with Dr. Llewellyn for a consultation, he will diagnose the lesion. If it is basal cell carcinoma, he will explain his recommended treatment plan. The cost of treatment is based upon the treatment plan that you discuss with Dr. Llewellyn. Our payment options include cash and major credit cards, and you can learn more on our financing page.

What Are the Benefits of Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Although basal cell carcinoma is usually not life-threatening like melanoma, it can grow and spread locally in your skin and cause deformity to the area and nearby structures, such as your nose or ears. Treatment helps to reduce the risk of local tissue damage and the very rare spread basal cell carcinoma to distant sites.   Dr. Llewellyn also provides insight as to how to reduce your risk for recurrence of basal cell carcinoma and the development of this and of other types of skin cancer.

Am I a Candidate for Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment?

If you have an abnormal lesion on your skin that demonstrates the characteristics of basal cell carcinoma or another type of skin cancer, we recommend that you schedule a consultation to have Dr. Llewellyn evaluate the skin with a full body exam.  Once a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, it is recommended you have the lesion treated.

What Should I Expect from Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment?

There are many types of basal cell carcinoma.  Some forms are more aggressive than others.  Treatment recommendations will vary depending on patient factors, the type of basal cell carcinoma and its location on the body.  Some common treatments for basal cell carcinoma include:

  • Electrodessication and Curretage
  • Excision
  • Medications (topical and oral)
  • Mohs surgery
  • Cryosurgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Photodynamic therapy

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Fortunately, it does not usually spread to other tissues and treatment has a high cure rate. Early diagnosis is key to a successful outcome. Aloe Dermatology offers basal cell carcinoma treatment for men and women in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Solvang, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez, and surrounding areas of California. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.