What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

By Dr. Brittany Buhalog

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually develops on skin that is regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. BCC often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, with a pearly appearance, which can sometimes bleed or create an ulceration.

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is the most effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma. It is favored for treating BCC because it offers the highest cure rate while sparing the greatest amount of healthy tissue. During the procedure, which occurs in our office with local anesthesia injections, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. This precise method allows the surgeon to selectively remove cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. When the cancer is completely removed, the surgeon precisely stitches and reconstructs the area in a cosmetically pleasing manner.   

Vivida Dermatology knows how important your health is to you. That’s why we hire only the most skilled, and highly educated ACMS Fellowship-trained Mohs Micrographic surgeons. We are pleased to offer this procedure in our Henderson, Las Vegas, and St. George offices.