Facing a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but having clear, straightforward answers makes all the difference. While Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common forms of skin cancer, they behave differently and require tailored treatment plans.
At Dermatology Associates, we believe compassionate care and clear communication are just as essential as advanced medical treatment.
Understanding Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) are non-melanoma skin cancers caused primarily by UV radiation, but they differ in growth and risk. BCC is the most common form, growing slowly as a pearly bump or non-healing sore and rarely spreading beyond the initial spot. SCC grows more rapidly, typically appearing as a firm red nodule or scaly patch, and carries a higher risk of spreading to nearby lymph nodes or deeper tissues if left untreated.
Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Because BCC grows slowly and rarely metastasizes to lymph nodes or distant organs, treatment prioritizes complete local removal while preserving surrounding healthy skin.
- Superficial / Low-Risk BCC: Surface-level spots can often be treated with non-surgical options like Superficial Radiotherapy (SRT), topical prescription creams, or curettage and electrodesiccation (ED&C / scraping and burning).
- Nodular or Invasive BCC: Standard surgical excision or Mohs surgery is required to physically remove the tumor and verify clear tissue margins beneath the skin.
Treating Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC carries a higher potential risk of growing into deeper tissue, lymph nodes, or other areas of the body. Because of this, treatment requires faster intervention and stricter control over tissue margins.
- Early / Pre-Cancerous SCC: Surface-level lesions may be addressed with cryotherapy (freezing), topical medications, or ED&C before they penetrate deeper skin layers.
- Invasive SCC: Requires surgical excision with wider safety margins of surrounding healthy skin compared to BCC. For non-surgical candidates, SRT offers a non-invasive alternative. For high-risk or facial spots, Mohs surgery provides maximum margin control.
- Advanced SCC: If the cancer is deeply invasive, grows along nerves, or has spread, systemic treatments such as immunotherapy are used alongside surgery or radiation.
When Mohs Surgery is Recommended
Our dermatologists specifically recommend Mohs surgery in Tinley Park when precise cancer removal and maximum tissue preservation are critical.
High-Visibility and Sensitive Locations
Preserves healthy tissue and minimizes scarring on delicate areas, such as the face, nose, lips, ears, eyelids, scalp, hands, and feet, where saving skin is critical for appearance and function.
Aggressive or Fast-Growing Tumors
Traces and removes deep microscopic roots in real time, ensuring aggressive or fast-growing cancers are completely cleared.
Recurrent Skin Cancers
Examines 100% of tissue margins under a microscope to locate and eliminate cancer that has returned beneath existing scar tissue.
Large Lesions or Unclear Borders
Pinpoints the exact footprint of cancer spots without clear edges, preventing unnecessary loss of healthy skin while ensuring total removal.
Choosing the Right Treatment Option for Skin Cancer
Understanding whether your skin cancer requires non-surgical care, standard removal, or Mohs surgery ensures effective treatment while preserving healthy tissue.
If you have been diagnosed with Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma, our team at Dermatology Associates will help you select the right procedure for your needs.
Contact our office serving Tinley Park, Palos Heights, and New Lenox today to schedule your consultation.
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