Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Specialist

Knipe Dermatology

Board Certified Dermatologists located in Orlando, FL

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in the United States. Every year, nearly four million people receive a BCC diagnosis. When found and removed early, BCC is curable. At Knipe Dermatology in Orlando, Florida, Ronald Knipe, MD, and Samantha Marrone, MD, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers like BCC. They use the most advanced skin cancer removal techniques to give you the best medical and cosmetic outcomes. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Q & A

What is BCC?

Basal cell carcinoma or BCC is a type of cancer that causes abnormal growth of basal cells, leading to a skin lesion or tumor. Basal cells are in the top layer of your skin. 

It’s theorized that the abnormal growth occurs from damage in the cell’s DNA from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or a tanning bed. 

BCC is a slow-growing cancer. When caught and treated early, you can expect a full recovery. 

What are the symptoms of BCC?

BCC most often develops on areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure. BCC lesions may look like:

  • A pearly-white, pink, or skin-colored bump
  • An open sore
  • An elevated growth or scar
  • A flat, scaly, red patch
  • A brown, black, or blue lesion

The appearance of BCC lesions varies from person-to-person. You should have any abnormal growth or change in skin tone, color, or appearance evaluated by the skin experts at Knipe Dermatology.

What happens during a BCC evaluation?

When you visit Knipe Dermatology for a skin cancer evaluation, you can expect an in-depth exam. First, your provider reviews your medical and family history. They also ask about your skin, including previous or current skin conditions and concerns, as well as your sunburn history. 

Then, they examine your skin from head-to-toe, looking for abnormalities. They also closely examine any skin lesions you have concerns about. 

Your provider may take a skin biopsy of your lesion to confirm a diagnosis. 

How is BCC treated?

Surgical removal is the primary treatment for BCC. The type of surgery you need may depend on the location, size, and depth of your BCC lesion. 

Knipe Dermatology specializes in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Removal of your lesion may depend on the size and location. For smaller BCC lesions, your provider may perform curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, or laser therapy.

For larger lesions, your provider at Knipe Dermatology may recommend surgical excision or referral to Mohs. 

Surgical excision

During surgical excision, your provider at Knipe Dermatology removes the cancerous lesion along with some of the surrounding healthy tissue. Your provider may recommend surgical excision for lesions on your hands, chest, back, or feet. 

For expert BCC skin cancer care, call Knipe Dermatology, or book an appointment online today.