Basal Cell Carcinoma in Dallas, TX

When the basal cells in your epidermis mutate, they can form a very common type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Adean Kingston, is well equipped to evaluate your skin for the presence of a skin malignancy. BCC typically occurs on sun-exposed areas and can present as a lesion that fails to go away or heal. Even though the face, scalp, neck, and back are the "hot spots" for BCC, you can develop it anywhere on your body. It is a slow-growing cancer without a high rate of mortality, but BCC can be locally destructive and thus important to catch and treat early. The number of basal cell carcinoma patients grows by millions each year. Call Adean Kingston, M.D., PLLC in Dallas, Texas to schedule your private consultation today.

The sun's damaging rays are the main culprit in the development of basal cell carcinomas. Anyone and any area of the skin can be at risk, but those with fair skin, blonde/red hair colors, and blue/green/gray eyes who are regularly exposed to the sun tend to have more issues. You may also be more susceptible to BCC if you have the following:

• A genetic predisposition or condition that aids in skin cancer growths
• A suppressed immune system
• Open sores or lesions that will not heal
• The skin on the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back that is regularly exposed to the sun without protection
• A current skin complication from injury, radiation, excessive scarring, and more

The common mistake many patients make is thinking the BCC is something else, like a noncancerous dermatological issue (i.e., a pimple or a difficult patch of eczema or psoriasis). This is why seeing a dermatologist is very effective in diagnosing it without delay. While BCC rarely becomes an aggressive malignancy, they still need to be removed from the skin as soon as possible for the best prognosis. The larger the BCC grows, the more disfiguring it will be and there could also be nerve and muscle damage as well.

The treatment for a basal cell carcinoma is based on the sub type of the BCC, it’s size, position on the body, and the degree of involvement needed for removal. When you are diagnosed earlier in the developing stages of the BCC growth, it has a much higher chance of being curable. After confirming a diagnosis, Dr. Kingston will present the proper therapies for your condition. A simple excision, cryotherapy, electrodesiccation, curettage, and chemotherapeutic medication are all available at Adean Kingston, M.D., PLLC. She also may send you to a MOHs surgeon who is a specialist in surgically removing skin cancers utilizing a tissue sparing procedure. Your care is very important to us, and if we need to work with the various specialists you require to remedy this cancer, Dr. Kingston would be happy to provide you with collaborative care. We will talk about your procedure choices in depth at your treatment planning appointment.

Is BCC life-threatening?

BCC is rarely life-threatening as it tends to grow slowly and doesn’t usually spread to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can cause significant tissue damage and disfigurement.

Can BCC recur?

Yes, BCC can recur, especially if the initial tumor was large or located in a high-risk area. Regular follow-up visits at our office in Dallas, TX are essential to monitor for recurrence.

How can I prevent BCC?

Prevention strategies include avoiding excessive sun exposure, using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds. Regular skin checks can also help detect BCC early.

We want to set you up for success at Adean Kingston, M.D., PLLC. When you face a cancer diagnosis, you need a team of medical professionals that are dedicated to your well-being and have the knowledge and experience to provide you with outstanding care. Dr. Kingston is a compassionate dermatologist who has spent most of her career helping patients prevent skin cancer and treating aggressive malignancies. Call and schedule your skin cancer screening for BCC today.