Minimally Invasive Skin Cancer Treatment

What is basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?

BCC is the most common form of skin cancer with more than four million cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Often appearing as open sores, shiny bumps, red patches, or pink growths, BCCs are the result of too much sun exposure.

Although BCC rarely spreads from the original tumor site, you shouldn't take its appearance lightly: Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?

With more than one million cases diagnosed each year in the US alone, SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer. SCC is primarily caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light over a lifetime.

It can develop anywhere on your body, but it appears most commonly in areas with higher sun exposure, like your lower lip, the rim of your ear, or your face. SCC often looks like open sores, warts, scaly red patches, or elevated growths that can crust or bleed.

How is skin cancer treated?

Your treatment options will vary based on the size, location, and depth of the tumor, as well as your general health. Dr. Zand will provide important education on your treatment options including Mohs Micrographic Surgery, traditional surgical excisions, radiation, and oral chemotherapies. In addition, Dr. Zand may recommend one of two minimally invasive treatments for skin cancer: electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C) and Aldara.

What is electrodesiccation and curettage?

ED&C is an out-patient procedure that is used to treat certain BCCs and SCCs. Dr. Zand uses a small instrument called a curette to scrape and remove the tumor, and then cauterizes the base with an eletrocautery tip. Dr. Zand repeats this process, removing additional layers of skin, until your cancerous cells are gone.

You'll need local anesthesia for this procedure, just like for a biopsy, and it heals with a small round pale scar. There are no stitches, so there is minimal downtime. ED&C is a preferred method for treating some small, low-risk skin cancers since it yields a cure rate of 95% or better, without the higher -risks associated with other treatments.

What is Aldara®?

Aldara (Imiquimod) is a topical treatment approved by the FDA to treat BCC, with the official stamp of approval pending for SCC.

This innovative medication stimulates your own immune system, causing your body to produce interferon, a special chemical that attacks your cancer cells. Aldara can cause significant scabbing if overused or used improperly; however, Dr. Zand has developed a special treatment algorithm to minimize irritation while maximizing effectiveness.

Aldara is less invasive than ED&C, offering the lowest chance of scarring, but its cure rate is slightly lower at 80-90%. Dr. Zand will thoroughly address the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and help you select the treatment plan best for you.

With millions of skin cancer cases being diagnosed every year, don’t wait to schedule a checkup. Book an appointment online or call Zand Dermatology today. We can’t wait to see you at our stunning waterfront office in southern Marin.