NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCERS

Dr. Parvin Shafa a dermatologist in Irvine, Orange County CA is an experienced doctor in diagnosing and treating different types of non-melanoma skin cancers including, BCC and SCC. If you have a skin lesion that is changing, bleeding, growing or not healing, just call us to make an appointment for a skin evaluation. Diagnosis and early cancer treatment is easy most of the time. Dr. Shafa is able to diagnose most skin cancers with the naked eye or with a dermoscope. If a skin lesion is suspicious, performing a skin biopsy is quick and easy. Using anesthesia also allows the procedure to be pain free. Scarring at the site of biopsy will be minimal if any at all. Appropriate treatment will be planned and performed based on the type, location and stage of the cancer. We are contracted will all types of PPO insurances including Medicare. Ask question or call us to make an appointment for a skin check.

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What is a Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer, SCC and BCC?

Non-melanoma skin cancer is considered any type of cancer of the skin that is not a melanoma. There are several types of categories of this skin cancer but the two most common, by far, are:

1) Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

2) Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

What is a basal cell carcinoma BCC?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. The lesion usually appears as a bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns. If left untreated, BCC can destroy the entire side of the face or eventually penetrate into the bone and brain. If you have a non healing lesion of this type, it is imperative that you see a physician for evaluation and treatment.

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What is a squamous cell carcinoma SCC?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive skin cancer characterized by nodules and/or red, scaly patches that may form on sun-exposed skin such as the ears, face, lips, and mouth. Though white and/or fair-skinned people are most prone to developing squamous cell carcinoma, people of all skin types must take precautions to limit sun exposure and get screened for any abnormal skin issues.

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Before and After Skin Cancer removed

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This is an actual patient of Dr. Parvin Shafa’s that was diagnosed with an SCC. Dr. Shafa removed the lesion completely with minimal discomfort and scar.

Basal Cell Carcinoma vs Squamous Cell Carcinoma Differences

  • Location: BCC are usually found on the face, head, and neck but location does not correspond consistently with areas of maximum sun exposure as it does with SCC. One third of BCC are found in areas that receive little to no exposure to UV light. SCC are usually found on the head or neck and areas that are most frequently exposed to sun
  • Skin color: Patients who have fair complexions are at a high risk for SCC with no significant increased risk of BCC
  • Risk Factors: Inability to tan is the highest risk factor for BCC. Old age and sun exposure over a lifetime are the highest risk factors for SCC

Squamous Cell Carcinoma v. Basal Cell Carcinoma Similarities

  • Age of onset: Both BCC and SCC are more prevalent in middle aged or older patients
  • Risk of Recurrence: Having previously been diagnosed with an BCC or SCC increases your chances of being diagnosed with another of the same type of lesion
  • Family History: Having a member of your immediate family diagnosed with either BCC or SCC increases your chance of having the same type of lesion

Ask question or call us to make an appointment for your full skin check or evaluation of the skin lesion you are concern about. We are contracted with all PPO insurances and Medicare.