Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents the most common form of skin cancer worldwide. This skin cancer arises from the abnormal growth of basal cells in the top layer of skin, primarily caused by cumulative ultraviolet radiation exposure from sun damage or indoor tanning. Early diagnosis and treatment remain crucial as these tumors can become locally invasive and destructive when left untreated.
Dr. Zitelli provides comprehensive BCC management to achieve high cure rates, while optimizing cosmetic outcomes for all BCC subtypes.
Not only provides excellent care but truly cares.
Recognizing Basal Cell Carcinoma Types and Risk Factors
Successful BCC treatment begins with accurate identification of clinical subtypes and individual risk factors that influence treatment selection and prognosis for optimal patient outcomes.
Nodular BCC Characteristics
Most common subtype appearing as pearly, flesh-colored papules with rolled borders and visible blood vessels, typically found on sun-exposed facial areas
Superficial BCC Presentations
Flat, scaly, red patches resembling eczema or psoriasis, commonly occurring on the trunk and requiring different treatment approaches than nodular forms
Morpheaform and Infiltrative Variants
Aggressive subtypes with ill-defined borders creating scar-like appearances, requiring specialized surgical approaches due to extensive subclinical spread
High-Risk Location Considerations
BCCs around eyes, nose, ears, and central facial areas requiring precise surgical techniques to preserve function while achieving complete tumor removal
Advanced BCC Removal and Mohs Surgery Excellence
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Gold standard treatment for high-risk BCCs providing 99% cure rates through precise microscopic margin control while maximizing tissue preservation. Dr. Zitelli collaborates with highly skilled Mohs surgeons to provide the highest standard of skin cancer treatment available in Cincinnati.
Surgical Excision with Margin Assessment
Precise surgical excision with histopathologic margin assessment, appropriate for treating primary basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) in anatomically suitable areas.
Electrodesiccation and Curettage
Office-based treatment combining scraping and electrical cauterization effective for superficial and small nodular BCCs on trunk and extremities
Non-surgical Options
Options such as topical chemotherapy agents and photodynamic therapy for certain BCC subtypes.
Personalized Treatment Planning and Risk Assessment
Comprehensive BCC care requires thorough evaluation of tumor characteristics, patient health status, and treatment goals to select the most appropriate therapeutic approach for each individual case.
Dr. Zitelli’s systematic approach includes detailed assessment of tumor size, location, histologic subtype, and previous treatment history combined with patient age, medical conditions, and aesthetic concerns. This personalized evaluation ensures optimal treatment selection while minimizing recurrence risks and maximizing functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Post-Treatment Care and Surveillance Strategies
Successful long-term BCC management extends beyond initial treatment to include proper wound care, monitoring for recurrence, and comprehensive skin cancer prevention education for high-risk patients.
Recognizing that patients with BCC are at increased risk for developing additional skin cancers guides our approach to long-term care. Our surveillance protocols emphasize regular skin examinations, patient education on sun protection, and early detection strategies, allowing new lesions to be identified and treated early and at their most manageable stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basal Cell Carcinoma
The primary cause is cumulative UV radiation exposure from sun damage, with additional risk factors including fair skin, family history, previous skin cancer, and certain genetic conditions.
While BCCs grow slowly, prompt treatment within weeks to months is recommended to prevent local invasion and minimize the extent of surgery required for complete removal.
Mohs surgery offers in-office microscopic margin assessment to maximize cure rates while preserving healthy tissue. Dr. Zitelli’s expertise ensures appropriate treatment selection and thoughtful collaboration with leading Mohs surgeons when the technique is most beneficial, particularly in cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas.
Properly treated BCCs have cure rates exceeding 95%, but patients remain at risk for developing new BCCs, making regular skin examinations important for early detection.
Topical treatment agents and Photodynamic Therapy can be effective for certain BCC subtypes, though surgical removal remains the gold standard for many cases.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Serving Cincinnati, Ohio
Dr. Kristine Zitelli is a board-certified dermatologist serving the Cincinnati area, known for her expertise in treating a wide range of skin conditions. She completed her medical degree at Wright State University and dermatology residency at the University of Cincinnati, with additional advanced training at the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center. Her clinical focus includes thorough skin examinations, psoriasis, eczema, complex medical dermatology, surgical dermatology and cosmetic treatments using the latest technologies.
Dr. Zitelli has been named a “Top Doctor” in Cincinnati every year since 2016. She is dedicated to educating the community about skin health and sun safety. Combining academic excellence, clinical research, and a compassionate approach, Dr. Zitelli delivers personalized, evidence-based care to every patient.
Trusted Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Cincinnati
Achieve optimal outcomes for your basal cell carcinoma with proven surgical expertise and personalized care. Dr. Zitelli’s comprehensive approach to BCC treatment provides Cincinnati patients with advanced surgical techniques, meticulous attention to cosmetic results, and ongoing surveillance for long-term skin health.
Schedule your BCC consultation today to receive specialized care that combines the highest cure rates with excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.
