No one wants a diagnosis of skin cancer, especially not again after initial treatment. The good news is that there are excellent surgical options for addressing a recurrence of basal cell carcinoma.
As an experienced board-certified complex general surgical oncologist, Dr. Trevan Fischer employs his deep knowledge of cancer and state-of-the-art techniques to diagnose and treat a variety of cancers at his private practice in Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Orange, California.
This includes skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma.
When not caring for patients, he stays abreast of the latest findings by working on clinical trials at Cedars-Sinai affiliate The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute and serving as a faculty member training fellows for careers in the field.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of skin cancer and occurs as a lump, bump, or lesion on the outer layer of the skin. While it can grow anywhere, it often appears on areas of the body exposed to the sun and is most often caused by damage from ultraviolet radiation.
Cancer recurrence refers to a new diagnosis after previous treatment has been completed.
It can occur in the exact location as the initial basal cell carcinoma if the original cancer was not entirely removed. This could be more likely to happen depending on the tumor's type, size, or location, and the original treatment performed.
It can also recur in either the same spot or a new area due to damage from ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure.
The goal in treating a recurrence is the same as it was with the initial treatment — to remove all of the cancer cells along with a perimeter of healthy tissue for good measure.
Treatment choice often depends on the type, size, and location of the cancer, with the two main surgical options being Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
This treatment is usually a multi-step process where we remove the cancer in layers. Each layer is examined under a microscope for cancer cells, with the process continuing until an area of skin shows no sign of cancer.
One benefit of this procedure is that it only takes the amount of skin necessary to eliminate the cancer. It can be helpful when the cancer is big, deep, or located in a visible area like the face.
During a surgical excision, the cancer and a margin of healthy skin around it are cut out. Then, we examine the skin margin under a microscope to ensure no cancer cells are left. This treatment may be more commonly used on the chest, back, hands, and feet.
While the type of surgical treatment can depend on the specifics, one fact remains constant: the importance of getting regular skin exams, especially after treatment for basal cell carcinoma or another type of skin cancer.
Whether it's an initial cancer or a recurrence, finding it and starting treatment early makes the process easier and less invasive, and the prognosis better.
If you've been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or have had a recurrence, Dr. Fischer can use the latest findings and techniques to guide your care. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.
