Basal Cell Carcinoma Specialist Mark Mehrany MD
Skin Cancer Specialists & Mohs Surgeons located in San Jose or Modesto
Sores that don’t heal or raised reddish growths are common signs of basal cell carcinoma. If you suspect you have this form of skin cancer, rely on the skin cancer specialists at the office of Mark Mehrany, MD, in San Jose or Modesto, California. Dr. Mehrany provides effective outpatient procedures onsite, such as Mohs surgery, which has a 99% cure rate for basal cell carcinomas while minimizing scarring.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
What causes basal cell carcinoma?
The vast majority of basal cell skin cancers are brought on by repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays, which come from the sun or a tanning bed, damage the DNA inside your skin cells. DNA is a cellular building block for your genes, which regulate various functions in your cells. Abnormal changes in your DNA affect your genes, resulting in cells that grow out of control. The result is skin cancer.
What do basal cell carcinomas look like?
Basal cell skin cancer may appear in various forms. The growths are often fragile and may bleed after shaving. They might look like:
• Scarlike flat area
• Raised reddish patch
• Small, clear or pearly bumps
• Pink growths with a depressed middle
• Sores that don't heal
• Crusted, oozing sores
Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on your head, neck, or face, but they can appear anywhere on your body.
How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?
Your provider at the office of Mark Mehrany, MD, examines the growth or growths, noting the color, size, shape, and texture of the suspicious area. They look at whether it's oozing, bleeding, or crusting. They also may ask to look at other parts of your body for spots that could be related to basal cell carcinoma. If your provider suspects your growth is cancerous, they recommend a skin biopsy. A biopsy involves numbing the area and taking a small tissue sample to examine under a microscope.
Your provider can perform a skin biopsy with various methods. Your provider recommends an appropriate method based on the suspected type of carcinoma, the size, location, and other factors. The types of biopsies include a punch biopsy, which uses a slim, cookie-cutter like tool to remove a sample, or a shave biopsy, where your provider removes a sliver of the growth with a scalpel.
What is an optimal treatment for basal cell carcinoma?
Your provider at the office of Mark Mehrany, MD, may recommend a highly effective procedure called Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery has a 99% cure rate for cases of basal cell carcinomas while minimizing scarring. The procedure is performed onsite at Mark Mehrany, MD, and involves the precise removal of cancerous tissue. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to ensure all cancer is gone. Other treatment options include excision, scraping, or freezing the cancerous tissue.
For care from skin cancer specialists, call the office of Mark Mehrany, MD today to review your treatment options.
Our Stanislaus Skin Cancer Clinic in Modesto proudly serves the Central Valley and surrounding areas including: Modesto, Turlock, Manteca, Tracy, Ripon, Stockton, Sonora, Ceres, Lodi, Lathrop, Livingston, Oakdale, Riverbank, Patterson, Merced, Los Banos, Newman, Gustine, Salida, Sunol, Mariposa, Madera, Atwater, Le Grand, La Grange, Angels Camp, Arnold and Yosemite Valley.
Our San Jose Skin Cancer & Mohs Clinic proudly serves the Bay Area and surrounding areas including: San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Redwood City, San Mateo, San Francisco, Milpitas, Fremont, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Hollister, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Capitola, Half Moon Bay, and Monterey.