Basal cell carcinoma: when to treat it yourself, and when to refer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer and frequently affects older adults. Most BCCs are seen on the sun-exposed skin of light-skinned individuals. Because early diagnosis reduces morbidity and the expense of treatment, it is essential that you are able to recognize these lesions. Their various clinical presentations determine the proper treatments, some of which may be carried out in your office and others which require referral. Several effective surgical and nonsurgical modalities are available. Selecting the best method is based on such factors as the type, size, and anatomic location of the lesion; cost of treatment; and your familiarity with the treatment.