Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is most often a benign form of skin cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. However, it’s the most frequently occurring form of all skin cancers, with more than 3 million people developing BCC in the U.S. every year.

It can be pink, brown, or black. At first, a basal cell carcinoma comes up like a small “pearly” bump that looks like a flesh-colored mole or a pimple that doesn’t go away. Sometimes these growths can look dark. Or you may also see shiny pink or red patches that are slightly scaly.

Yes, skin cancer can be itchy. For example, basal cell skin cancer can appear as a crusty sore that itches. The deadliest form of skin cancer — melanoma — can take the form of itchy moles. See your doctor for any itchy, crusty, scabbed, or bleeding sore that’s not healing.

Basal cell carcinoma does not progress into melanoma. Each is a separate and distinct type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and one of two major nonmelanoma skin cancer types (the other is squamous cell carcinoma).

Stage IV (stage 4 basal cell carcinoma): The cancer can be any size and has spread (metastasized) to 1 or more lymph nodes which are larger than 3 cm and may have spread to bones or other organs in the body.

Though not as common as basal cell (about one million new cases a year), squamous cell is more serious because it is likely to spread (metastasize). Treated early, the cure rate is over 90%, but metastases occur in 1%–5% of cases. After it has metastasized, it’s very difficult to treat.

Basal cells: These cells are in the lower part of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer. These cells constantly divide to form new cells to replace the squamous cells that wear off the skin’s surface. As these cells move up in the epidermis, they get flatter, eventually becoming squamous cells.

One type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells, which make skin cells that continuously push older cells toward the surface. As new cells move upward, they become flattened squamous cells, where a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma can occur.

Mohs surgery is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare.

“In most cases, patients should be more than okay to drive themselves home after their procedure,” notes Dr. Adam Mamelak, a board-certified Dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon in Austin, Texas. During the procedure, the area of treatment will be numbed with lidocaine for the comfort.

Your wound will be covered with a bulky bandage called a pressure dressing. This should be left in place for 24 hours and kept dry. After 24 hours you can remove the bulky bandage.

Mohs surgery typically does not require general anesthetic, which means this procedure is done while you’re awake. Instead of using general anesthetic, your surgeon will numb the area on which he or she will operate and then proceed.

Most patients are able to return to work or school the next day after Mohs. Avoiding heavy lifting, straining, or strenuous exercise for seven to 21 days may be required depending on the area of surgery.

Stitches are typically removed after a week (on the face) and two weeks (on the body).

It’s not possible to predict how long Mohs surgery will take. For most people, the procedure takes less than four hours. But your surgeon may advise you to plan as though surgery will take all day, since there’s a very small chance it could take that long.

Does Every Patient Need Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery on the Face? Not every patient needs reconstruction after their surgery, but for many, it’s the best choice. We opt for reconstructive surgery based on patient preferences and the specific anatomic location.

Risks of Mohs Surgery Bleeding, infection, itching, or numbness at the wound site. Muscle weakness where the cancerous skin was removed. Pain or soreness at the wound site and surrounding skin. A thick scar remains at the wound site.

An average cost for Mohs surgery is $1,000 to $2,000. The cost will depend on the size of the cancer and the amount of tissue removed.

As will any treatment for skin cancer, Mohs surgery will leave a scar. Mohs surgery preserves as much healthy skin as possible and maximizes options for repairing the surgical defect, once the tumor is completely removed.

There is now a new, non-surgical alternative to Mohs surgery available for skin care patients. The SRT-100™ is a state-of-the-art device that delivers a precise, calibrated dose of Superficial Radiation Therapy that only goes skin deep.

Mohs surgery is speedy and efficient, but is also one of the most effective forms of treatment for certain types of skin cancer. For a standard skin tumor that’s being treated for the first time, the success rates are as high as 98 to 99 percent.

We recommend you limit vigorous physical activity, excessive bending over or exercise for seven days after your Mohs surgery to allow your wound to heal and prevent bleeding or damage to your stitches. Sutures are usually removed five to 10 days after surgery.

It’s really an easy thing to do and very worthwhile.” There are few studies published on postoperative radiation for strict indications after well-performed Mohs surgery. Most recently, a Greek study of 315 patients found that post-Mohs radiation was associated with a 92% reduced risk of recurrence (Eur.

Standard excision works well to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. But Mohs surgery works better for some skin cancer in places (such as the face) where it is important to save as much skin as possible.

Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery might be recommended if your basal cell carcinoma has a higher risk of recurring, such as if it’s larger, extends deeper in the skin or is located on your face.

Most people that have Mohs surgery do not need any antibiotics. However, if the reconstruction is complex, you may need to take an antibiotic for a few days. Dr. García-Zuazaga may give you a prescription for antibiotics if needed.