Basal cell cancer is the best type of skin cancer to get. It never kills, and rarely disables.

If left untreated, however, it erodes the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Advanced stages of basal cell cancer may require cosmetic surgery.

If treated early with desiccation and curettage (burning and scraping), excision (cutting out) or cryosurgery (freezing), the basal cell cancer is eradicated in 97 percent of the cases. A biopsy of the cancerous tissue generally is sent to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis, making sure it is not a more serious type of cancer. A follow-up appointment insures that the cancer has been completely removed.

The laboratory will send you a separate bill for the pathology report. Most insurance plans pay a portion or all of the fee for the treatment of skin cancer. Fees are based on the size and location of the cancer.

If you have any questions about basal cell cancers, please call at any time.