Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer on the planet, and yet most people can't tell you a single thing about it until they're diagnosed with it themselves. In this episode I walk you through exactly what happens from the moment a spot looks suspicious to the moment you're cleared, because almost none of my patients know what to expect, and that unknown is the scariest part.
I cover what basal cell carcinoma actually looks like (hint: it's not always an obvious bump), the different subtypes that can be mistaken for scars or eczema, and how I use a dermatoscope and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. I break down the three main biopsy techniques I use, why I almost never treat a spot without a biopsy first, and how the subtype, size, and location of a basal cell determine treatment.
I also go through every treatment option on the table, including Mohs surgery, topical chemo creams, electrodesiccation and curettage, vascular laser, radiation therapy, and oral systemic medications, along with the pros, cons, and side effects of each. Finally, I share why anyone who has had one basal cell carcinoma has a 30 to 50 percent chance of getting another, and what you can do to lower that risk, including daily sunscreen, field treatments, and a supplement called nicotinamide.
If you have a spot that's new, bleeding, or just not healing, this episode will tell you exactly what to expect at the dermatologist and why getting it checked out is never a waste of anyone's time.
In this episode:
00:00 – The most common cancer nobody knows about
00:31 – Welcome to the channel
00:43 – What is basal cell carcinoma
02:03 – What this episode covers
03:07 – Not every basal cell needs surgery
03:26 – What basal cell carcinoma looks like
04:15 – The subtype that mimics eczema
04:36 – When to get a spot checked
05:26 – How you get basal cell carcinoma
06:26 – Warning signs and the dermatoscope exam
07:18 – Why a biopsy is always necessary
07:52 – The three types of biopsies explained
11:22 – The dangerous myth: it won't kill me
13:51 – Do you need imaging or scans
14:55 – How location, size, and subtype drive treatment
15:13 – Mohs surgery explained
16:56 – Topical chemo creams
18:34 – Scrape and burn (EDNC)
20:07 – Laser treatment
21:24 – Why radiation is rarely used
22:32 – Oral and systemic medications
25:10 – Your risk of getting another one
25:49 – Daily sun protection
27:01 – Other prevention options and nicotinamide
29:01 – Final thoughts: get it checked
📱Download The Skin Real app.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US
🛍️ Shop My recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin
🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app
Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!
Follow Dr. Mina here:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/
Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
#basalcellcarcinoma #skincancer #mohssurgery #skincancerawareness #skinhealth #theskinreal #sunprotection #skincancerprevention
I cover what basal cell carcinoma actually looks like (hint: it's not always an obvious bump), the different subtypes that can be mistaken for scars or eczema, and how I use a dermatoscope and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. I break down the three main biopsy techniques I use, why I almost never treat a spot without a biopsy first, and how the subtype, size, and location of a basal cell determine treatment.
I also go through every treatment option on the table, including Mohs surgery, topical chemo creams, electrodesiccation and curettage, vascular laser, radiation therapy, and oral systemic medications, along with the pros, cons, and side effects of each. Finally, I share why anyone who has had one basal cell carcinoma has a 30 to 50 percent chance of getting another, and what you can do to lower that risk, including daily sunscreen, field treatments, and a supplement called nicotinamide.
If you have a spot that's new, bleeding, or just not healing, this episode will tell you exactly what to expect at the dermatologist and why getting it checked out is never a waste of anyone's time.
In this episode:
00:00 – The most common cancer nobody knows about
00:31 – Welcome to the channel
00:43 – What is basal cell carcinoma
02:03 – What this episode covers
03:07 – Not every basal cell needs surgery
03:26 – What basal cell carcinoma looks like
04:15 – The subtype that mimics eczema
04:36 – When to get a spot checked
05:26 – How you get basal cell carcinoma
06:26 – Warning signs and the dermatoscope exam
07:18 – Why a biopsy is always necessary
07:52 – The three types of biopsies explained
11:22 – The dangerous myth: it won't kill me
13:51 – Do you need imaging or scans
14:55 – How location, size, and subtype drive treatment
15:13 – Mohs surgery explained
16:56 – Topical chemo creams
18:34 – Scrape and burn (EDNC)
20:07 – Laser treatment
21:24 – Why radiation is rarely used
22:32 – Oral and systemic medications
25:10 – Your risk of getting another one
25:49 – Daily sun protection
27:01 – Other prevention options and nicotinamide
29:01 – Final thoughts: get it checked
📱Download The Skin Real app.
Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal&hl=en_US
🛍️ Shop My recommended skincare on Aire Health: https://www.airehealth.com/skinstore/drminaskin
🔗 Scan your skin with my AI app: https://realskin.lovable.app
Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!
Follow Dr. Mina here:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/
Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/
Thanks for tuning in. And remember, real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
#basalcellcarcinoma #skincancer #mohssurgery #skincancerawareness #skinhealth #theskinreal #sunprotection #skincancerprevention