Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) treatment
The choice of treatment depends on the stage of basal-cell carcinoma and the location of the tumor.
To remove basal cells at the initial stage oncosurgeons resort to such methods as:
- Cryotherapy is used at the initial stages (Tis, stage 1A-B) of the disease. The advantages of the method are its speed and painless (due to the low temperature). Cryolysis does not leave any traces - tissues are recovered well;
- Laser therapy – medical laser carefully cuts the formation. The method is accompanied by minimal damage to healthy tissues;
- Surgical excision of the tumor. Basal cell carcinomas can deepen in the tissue, that is why surgical method is considered as the safest (the low risk of recurrence) – the doctor can always expand the surgery. It is applicable starting with stage 2A of the disease;
- Beam therapy is used in combination with surgical excision of the tumor. The method can prevent the recurrence of the disease (the cells' ability to division is inhibited).
Beginning with the stage 2, basal-cell cancer is treated with:
- Excision (resection);
- Microsurgical operation (Mohs surgery).
In case of recurrent basal cell carcinoma, the drug Erivedge (Vismodegib) is prescribed.