Basal Cell Carcinoma | Strimling Dermatology, Laser & Vein Institute

Basal cell carcinoma is not only the most common type of skin cancer, but also the most common type of cancer overall. Approximately 2 million Americans are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma each year.

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Basal cell carcinomas are usually irregular in shape, but may be flat, depressed or elevated relative to adjacent skin. Overlying skin may be intact or eroded with a history of periodic bleeding or non-healing. Sometimes, basal cell carcinomas look like a scar, pimple or cyst that may be growing, not healing, or recurring. They can either be asymptomatic or sensitive and painful, and can occur on any cutaneous surface, but occur most commonly in sun-exposed areas.

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Common clinical basal cell carcinoma types include cystic, nodular, sclerosing (scar-like), keratotic, superficial and pigmented (resembling melanoma skin cancer), as well as mixed types. Pathologic subtypes are even more numerous.

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Genetic predisposition and lifetime cumulative sun exposure are important risk factors for the development of most skin cancers, especially basal cell carcinoma.

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Other risk factors include increasing age, personal history of skin cancer, radiation therapy, immune-suppressing medications, and inherited syndromes that cause skin cancer.

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Diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is confirmed by biopsy or removal with pathologic examination.

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All cancer, including skin cancer, should be completely destroyed or thoroughly removed. Untreated basal cell carcinoma can metastasize (i.e. spread to other tissues) and eventually become difficult to treat or incurable. Fortunately, most basal cell carcinomas are slow growing, don’t metastasize readily or prior to treatment, and are generally highly curable.

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Excision or Mohs Surgery are usually the preferred treatment options.

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With over 25 years experience, board-certified dermatologist and fellow-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon Dr. Robert Strimling, MD specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment (including Mohs surgery), and reconstruction of basal cell carcinoma and other skin cancers.

Why Choose Us

At Strimling Dermatology, Laser & Vein Institute, we are committed to providing the highest quality, personalized care in a safe, friendly, caring, respectful and state-of-the-art environment; as we ourselves would want to be treated.

We respect your time and endeavor to provide prompt appointments with sufficient time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you understand your condition and management or treatment options.

Services are provided or supervised by our highly experienced, board-certified dermatologists. With over 25 years experience, our “Award Winning Cosmetic Surgeon” Dr. Robert Strimling, MD is one of the most experienced cosmetic dermatologists in Las Vegas. Our dermatologists have been selected or voted “Best Dermatologists” in Las Vegas and nationally many times.

From Las Vegas or out-of-town, our patients come from all walks of life. Other physicians, CEOs, celebrities, politicians and others have sought our services.
All patients are welcome, including those without insurance. Medicare and most insurances are accepted.

We are appreciative and grateful for all our patients who entrust us with their care. Thank you!