What are the treatments for the disease?

Basal cell cancer is treated with simple surgery. All of the cancerous tissue and a small amount of surrounding tissue are removed. Most of the time, this cures the cancer completely. The affected area can also be frozen with substances such as liquid nitrogen. Freezing the basal cell cancer will kill it. Sometimes, medicine such as fluorouracil can be applied to the area to kill the cancer. If the basal cell cancer comes back, any of these methods can be used again. Many times, though, surgery will be used to treat basal cell cancer that has come back.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

A person usually recovers from surgery without any complications. There is usually only minor discomfort as the skin heals.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Someone who has had one basal cell cancer is likely to develop more in the future. A person should watch for any new skin lesions that may develop. That person should also monitor any area where basal cell cancer has been removed. Any new lesions or changes in the treated area should be reported to a healthcare provider.

How is the disease monitored?

The treated area will be followed closely for any signs of regrowth of the cancer. A healthcare provider or dermatologist will do this. The person should also check the area often and report any new or worsening symptoms.