Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. It typically occurs on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, face, nose, ears, neck, chest, shoulders, or back. It can present as a non-healing sore, a shiny or pearly bump, or even a pink, scaly growth. When detected early, most basal cell carcinomas can be easily treated and cured. Treatments are typically surgical and include electrodesiccation and curettage (scraping and applying heat to the skin cancer site), excision, and Mohs surgery. In certain cases, basal cell carcinomas can also be treated with cryotherapy (use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin cancer), topical medications, photodynamic therapy (PDT), radiation, or oral medications.
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