01
Feb
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment: The most common skin cancer can be blocked at a young age
Basal cell carcinoma accounts for 80 percent of skin cancer diagnoses worldwide, making it the most common skin cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that the United States sees approximately 800,000 new cases of basal cell carcinoma per year and that 30 percent of Caucasians will develop basal cell carcinomas in their lifetime.
People with fair skin or a family history of basal cell carcinoma have a much higher rate of basal cell cancer, as do people who live closer to the equator or at higher altitudes.
"Basal cell carcinoma is sun related and often genetic," Dr. Mark Gendleman, MD, selected by TopTierMD as one of Chicago’s top rated dermatologist, said. "Many times, it is preventable with sun screen. Once diagnosed, though, there are six or seven treatment options, including surgery and liquid nitrogen surgery."
Dr. Gendleman uses electrosurgery to treat basal cell carcinoma.
"Electrosurgery uses an electric current to burn out the cancer," Dr. Gendleman said. "It's a five minute procedure that carries only a low incidence of infection and bleeding."
While basal cell carcinoma is treatable, with an estimated 95 percent cure rate if the cancer is caught in time, Dr. Gendleman said that the best means of treatment is to stop the cancer's development before it starts.
"Simple steps when you are younger can stop basal cell carcinoma from forming," Dr. Gendleman said. "Protect yourself from the sun, apply sunscreen when you are out in the sun and avoid being out in the sun during the worst times of the day, which are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"If a patient is really sensitive to the sun or has other risk factors, the theory is that a lot of sun damage occurs in childhood. People just need to be aware and take precautions, especially when they are at the beach, washing the car or just on a picnic. Cover up and wear sun screen."
Dr. Gendleman also warns his patients about tanning beds.
"Most dermatologists frown upon tanning beds," Dr. Gendleman said. "There have been a lot of studies that say those can do a lot of harm. The ultraviolet exposure in the tanning centers is not good and the self-tanning chemicals that are applied are not good."
Dr. Mark Gendleman, MD, was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered Best in Dermatology in Chicago. He specializes in general medical dermatology.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that the United States sees approximately 800,000 new cases of basal cell carcinoma per year and that 30 percent of Caucasians will develop basal cell carcinomas in their lifetime.
People with fair skin or a family history of basal cell carcinoma have a much higher rate of basal cell cancer, as do people who live closer to the equator or at higher altitudes.
"Basal cell carcinoma is sun related and often genetic," Dr. Mark Gendleman, MD, selected by TopTierMD as one of Chicago’s top rated dermatologist, said. "Many times, it is preventable with sun screen. Once diagnosed, though, there are six or seven treatment options, including surgery and liquid nitrogen surgery."
Dr. Gendleman uses electrosurgery to treat basal cell carcinoma.
"Electrosurgery uses an electric current to burn out the cancer," Dr. Gendleman said. "It's a five minute procedure that carries only a low incidence of infection and bleeding."
While basal cell carcinoma is treatable, with an estimated 95 percent cure rate if the cancer is caught in time, Dr. Gendleman said that the best means of treatment is to stop the cancer's development before it starts.
"Simple steps when you are younger can stop basal cell carcinoma from forming," Dr. Gendleman said. "Protect yourself from the sun, apply sunscreen when you are out in the sun and avoid being out in the sun during the worst times of the day, which are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"If a patient is really sensitive to the sun or has other risk factors, the theory is that a lot of sun damage occurs in childhood. People just need to be aware and take precautions, especially when they are at the beach, washing the car or just on a picnic. Cover up and wear sun screen."
Dr. Gendleman also warns his patients about tanning beds.
"Most dermatologists frown upon tanning beds," Dr. Gendleman said. "There have been a lot of studies that say those can do a lot of harm. The ultraviolet exposure in the tanning centers is not good and the self-tanning chemicals that are applied are not good."
Dr. Mark Gendleman, MD, was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered Best in Dermatology in Chicago. He specializes in general medical dermatology.
