Just diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma on back...worried

Hello Doctor Rockoff,

I was just diagnosed with a BCC on my back and am a little worried.  My primary physician noticed it during my annual physical and referred me to a Dermatologist just in case.

Anyway, the Dermatologist called and said the biopsy confirmed BCC and I’m scheduled to get a it “scooped out” and then I’m getting a type of electric current run through it to kill the remaining cells?  Is this correct?

I guess I’m just a little unnerved; I’m a 44 year old male with a completely unremarkable medical history so this is my first experience with something a little more serious.  From the research I have done, this type of cancer does not spread and is quite common from what I understand?  I’m usually very good about applying sun screen and protecting myself so I’m thinking that this damage was perhaps something I did back when I was younger.  What will be the follow-up on this procedure and will I have to have some type of regular tests to make sure I’m OK?

Any advice or other comments greatly appreciated.

With kind regards,
Bthomas

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one the most common form of skin cancer. Treatment is with surgery, mohs surgery, topical chemotherapy, X-ray, cryosurgery, or photodynamic therapy depending on the patient and the lesion. The risk of developing BCC is increased for individuals with a family history of the disease and with a high cumulative exposure to UV light via sunlight.

BCC is rarely life-threatening but, if left untreated, can be disfiguring, cause bleeding, and produce local destruction.

Read more at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Treatment_of_Basal_Cell_Carcinoma_51.asp
http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/diseases.asp?did=538

best regards