If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, you probably have a lot of questions about treatment. There are many effective treatments available that can help. At the OSUCCC – James, our team provides the latest and most advanced treatment options for basal cell carcinoma. We understand how important it is to find the right care and we’re here to support you with a customized treatment plan for individualized cancer care.
Treatment for basal cell carcinoma
There are several types of treatment for basal cell carcinoma. The OSUCCC – James team of specialists will determine the best treatment for each person based on their specific needs. You may receive one treatment or a combination of treatments.
Surgery
Surgery is the preferred treatment of basal cell carcinoma. There are several types of surgery including:
Mohs surgery
In this procedure, the doctor removes the cancer from the skin in thin layers. Each layer is analyzed for cancerous cells under a microscope during the surgery. The doctor will continue to remove one layer at a time until removing a layer with no evidence of cancer cells.
Standard excision
During a simple (standard) excision, the doctor removes the skin cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. This helps ensure that no cancer cells are left behind. The procedure minimizes the chance of reocurrence while preserving skin to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Electrodesiccation and curettage
The doctor removes the tumor from the skin with a sharp tool shaped like a spoon. A small electrode applies electric current to the affected area to stop bleeding and destroy remaining cancer cells. This method is effective for treating smaller tumors and ensuring that cancerous cells are completely removed.
Cryosurgery
During cryosurgery, the doctor freezes the abnormal tissue to destroy cells using a special instrument. By freezing the tissue, this procedure helps eliminate the cancerous cells without the need for more invasive surgery.
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves applying a cream (photosensitizing agent) to the skin, which is then activated by a special light to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is effective for superficial basal cell carcinomas and can preserve healthy tissue.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells. Most radiation is delivered from a machine outside your body that is targeted directly at the cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by destroying the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. Chemotherapy for basal cell carcinoma usually is applied to the skin as a cream or lotion, which is called topical chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be used for basal cell carcinoma that has spread to other organs (metastatic) or when the skin cancer can’t be treated with local therapy.
If basal cell carcinoma spreads to another area of the body (metastasizes) or can’t be treated with local therapy, chemotherapy or treatment in a clinical trial may be recommended.
Clinical trials
The OSUCCC – James has more than 500 open clinical trials at any given time, with some of the world’s latest discoveries for basal cell carcinoma available to people right here in Columbus, Ohio. In fact, people have access to more cancer clinical trials here than at nearly any other hospital in the region.
he OSUCCC – James is one of only a few U.S. cancer centers funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct phase I, phase II and phase III clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs. Because of this, experts can move research discoveries into clinical trials and make them available sooner. Your doctors will determine if you’re a clinical trial candidate.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for basal cell carcinoma treatment?
While basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, our approach to treatment isn’t. At the OSUCCC – James, we’ll create a customized treatment plan for you.
Specialized skin cancer treatment teams
At the OSUCCC – James, our specialized skin cancer treatment teams are composed of experts dedicated to providing personalized care for each person. These multidisciplinary teams ensure that every aspect of your care is tailored to your specific needs while using the latest in treatment options. At the OSUCCC – James, those who have basal cell carcinoma will have a team of experts from different medical disciplines including dermatologists, molecular and biological pathologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and more. This collaborative team will work together to ensure you have specialized care.
The region’s only dedicated skin cancer center
Whether you’re at risk of developing basal cell carcinoma or you’ve been diagnosed, the OSUCCC – James operates the region’s only dedicated skin cancer center. The James Skin and Melanoma Center located in Columbus, Ohio, offers comprehensive skin cancer care services from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship.
If you’ve received a basal cell carcinoma diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion, we’re here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Basal Cell Carcinoma Prevention
Basal Cell Carcinoma Screening and Diagnosis
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Team