Basal cell carcinoma — how do you actually get it?
For most people, it’s cumulative sun damage that builds up over years. That’s why we typically see basal cells in sun-exposed areas → your nose, face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. Less commonly on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or genitals — but yes, I have seen them there too.
What should you be watching for? Bleeding is number one. And any new growth you’ve never had before that isn’t going away with standard treatment — I want to know about it.
When you come in, I’ll often use a dermatoscope → it magnifies what I’m seeing so I can look for specific patterns that tell me whether something is a basal cell. Sometimes it reassures me and saves you a biopsy. Other times it confirms my suspicion, and I’ll still biopsy it to get histological confirmation and find out exactly what type of basal cell it is.
I know patients ask, “if you’re pretty sure it’s a basal cell, why not just treat it?” In general, I want a biopsy before I treat — I have to be very sure before moving forward.
Have you ever had a spot checked with a dermatoscope?
New episode is up now — Basal Cell Carcinoma — everything you need to know. #basalcellcarcinoma #skincancer #skincancerprevention #skincancerawareness
For most people, it’s cumulative sun damage that builds up over years. That’s why we typically see basal cells in sun-exposed areas → your nose, face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. Less commonly on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or genitals — but yes, I have seen them there too.
What should you be watching for? Bleeding is number one. And any new growth you’ve never had before that isn’t going away with standard treatment — I want to know about it.
When you come in, I’ll often use a dermatoscope → it magnifies what I’m seeing so I can look for specific patterns that tell me whether something is a basal cell. Sometimes it reassures me and saves you a biopsy. Other times it confirms my suspicion, and I’ll still biopsy it to get histological confirmation and find out exactly what type of basal cell it is.
I know patients ask, “if you’re pretty sure it’s a basal cell, why not just treat it?” In general, I want a biopsy before I treat — I have to be very sure before moving forward.
Have you ever had a spot checked with a dermatoscope?
New episode is up now — Basal Cell Carcinoma — everything you need to know. #basalcellcarcinoma #skincancer #skincancerprevention #skincancerawareness