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Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Treatment in Petaluma & Hercules

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. While many people are familiar with melanoma, the majority of skin cancers fall into a category known as nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). These cancers include basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which together account for millions of new cases each year.

At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, our board-certified dermatologists and PAs have extensive experience in the detection, treatment, and ongoing care of nonmelanoma skin cancers. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to achieving excellent medical and cosmetic outcomes.

What Are Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers?

Nonmelanoma skin cancers arise from cells in the outer layers of the skin but do not involve melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells affected in melanoma). The two most common types are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC):
Originating from the basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis, BCC is the most frequent form of skin cancer. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads to distant organs, but it can be locally destructive if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):
Developing from squamous cells in the outer epidermis, SCC is the second most common skin cancer. Unlike BCC, SCC has a higher risk of spreading (metastasizing), particularly if left untreated or arising in high-risk areas, such as the lips or ears.

There are also less common forms of nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous adnexal tumors, but these are rare and usually require specialized treatment.

Risk Factors for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Several factors increase the risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancers:

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure: Chronic sun exposure and use of tanning beds are the leading causes.
Fair skin type: Individuals with lighter complexions, freckles, blond or red hair, and light eyes are at greater risk.
Age: Most cases occur in adults over 50, though younger people with heavy sun exposure can also be affected.
History of sunburns: Severe, blistering sunburns, especially during childhood, increase long-term risk.
Personal or family history: Having had skin cancer before, or having relatives with skin cancer, raises the likelihood of recurrence.
Weakened immune system: Patients who take immunosuppressive medications (for organ transplants or autoimmune conditions) are at significantly higher risk.
Environmental exposures: Chronic exposure to radiation, arsenic, or industrial chemicals can contribute.

Signs and Symptoms of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancers often develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, forearms, and lower legs.

Common warning signs include:

A persistent sore that does not heal or repeatedly bleeds and crusts.
A pearly or translucent bump (often a sign of BCC).
A scaly, rough patch or raised red nodule (often a sign of SCC).
A scar-like area of thickened skin with poorly defined borders.
Tenderness, pain, or itching in a suspicious spot.

Because nonmelanoma skin cancers can mimic benign growths, it is essential to have new, changing, or non-healing lesions evaluated by a dermatologist.

Diagnosis of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, diagnosis begins with a thorough skin examination. If a lesion appears suspicious, a skin biopsy is performed. This simple in-office procedure involves removing a small sample of the lesion for examination under the microscope by a dermatopathologist. A biopsy is the only way to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact type of skin cancer.

Advanced Treatment Options for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, we combine clinical expertise with clinically proven therapeutics to deliver results-driven care. Treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers depends on several factors, including the type, size, depth, location of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health.

Surgical Excision

The standard treatment for many BCCs and SCCs involves removing the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue. The specimen is examined to confirm complete removal.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Considered the gold standard for high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas (such as the face, ears, and scalp), Mohs surgery allows for the precise removal of cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Each layer is examined immediately under the microscope until the margins are clear, resulting in the highest cure rate and best cosmetic outcomes.

Curettage and Electrodessication

For small, superficial basal cell carcinomas or superficial squamous cell carcinomas, this method involves scraping away the lesion and cauterizing the area. It is quick and effective, allowing for the preservation of healthy, deeper skin and tissue.

Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen can be used to freeze and destroy actinic keratoses that are in evolution into early skin cancer.

Systemic Therapies

For advanced cases, newer medications such as hedgehog pathway inhibitors (for advanced BCC) or immunotherapies (for SCC and Merkel cell carcinoma) may be recommended.

Topical Therapies

Certain superficial cancers may respond to prescription creams such as imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil, which stimulate the immune system or directly attack abnormal cells.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation may be used for patients who cannot undergo surgery or for cancers in locations where surgery is not feasible.

Prognosis for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

The outlook for nonmelanoma skin cancers is generally excellent when detected early. Most BCCs and SCCs are curable, especially with timely intervention. However, delaying treatment can lead to significant local tissue destruction, disfigurement, and—in the case of SCC—potential spread to other organs. This is why regular skin checks and early evaluation of suspicious lesions are critical.

Prevention Strategies for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer

Preventing nonmelanoma skin cancers starts with protecting your skin from UV damage. Our dermatologists recommend:

Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin when engaged in outdoor activities.
Protective clothing: Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV-protective fabrics.
Avoid peak sun hours: Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
No tanning beds: Tanning salons use a mix of UVA and UVB radiation, which is carcinogenic.
Regular skin exams: Schedule annual full-body skin checks, and perform monthly self-examinations at home.
Report changes early: Bring any new, changing, or non-healing spots to your dermatologist’s attention.

Dermatology Associates of the bay area doctors, pa, aesthetician, and staff. Group image outside.

Why Choose Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area?

At our practice, we combine clinical expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care to guide patients through every step of the process—from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. Our team has extensive experience with both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, including Mohs micrographic surgery. We emphasize not only cure but also cosmetic outcomes, ensuring patients can face the future with confidence.

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Takeaway

Nonmelanoma skin cancers are common, but with proper awareness, early detection, and effective treatment, the outlook is overwhelmingly positive. Protecting your skin, scheduling regular dermatology visits, and acting promptly on any suspicious changes are the best steps you can take. At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care for patients with skin cancer, helping you maintain both your health and your quality of life.

Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are nonmelanoma skin cancers?

Nonmelanoma skin cancers are cancers that arise from cells in the outer layers of the skin but do not involve melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells affected in melanoma). The two most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which originates from basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which develops from squamous cells in the outer epidermis. BCC is the most frequent form of skin cancer and typically grows slowly, while SCC has a higher risk of spreading if left untreated.

What are the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma?

Common warning signs include a persistent sore that does not heal or repeatedly bleeds and crusts, a pearly or translucent bump (often a sign of BCC), a scaly rough patch or raised red nodule (often a sign of SCC), a scar-like area of thickened skin with poorly defined borders, and tenderness, pain, or itching in a suspicious spot. Nonmelanoma skin cancers often develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, forearms, and lower legs.

What causes nonmelanoma skin cancers?

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun and tanning beds is the leading cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers. Other risk factors include having fair skin with freckles, blond or red hair, and light eyes, a history of severe blistering sunburns (especially during childhood), being over 50 years of age, having a personal or family history of skin cancer, taking immunosuppressive medications, and chronic exposure to radiation, arsenic, or industrial chemicals.

What is Mohs micrographic surgery and when is it used?

Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for treating high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers or those in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, ears, and scalp. This technique allows for the precise removal of cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Each layer is examined immediately under the microscope until the margins are clear, resulting in the highest cure rate and best cosmetic outcomes for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

What is the difference between basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and typically grows slowly, rarely spreading to distant organs, though it can be locally destructive if left untreated. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer and has a higher risk of metastasizing (spreading), particularly if left untreated or arising in high-risk areas such as the lips or ears. Both types develop on sun-exposed areas and require prompt treatment for the best outcomes.

Can nonmelanoma skin cancers be prevented?

Yes, prevention starts with protecting your skin from UV damage. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to all exposed skin during outdoor activities, wear protective clothing including wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, avoid peak sun hours between 10am and 4pm, never use tanning beds, schedule annual full-body skin checks with a dermatologist, perform monthly self-examinations at home, and report any new, changing, or non-healing spots to your dermatologist promptly.

What is the prognosis for nonmelanoma skin cancers?

The outlook for nonmelanoma skin cancers is generally excellent when detected early. Most basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are curable, especially with timely intervention. However, delaying treatment can lead to significant local tissue destruction, disfigurement, and in the case of squamous cell carcinoma, potential spread to other organs. Regular skin checks and early evaluation of suspicious lesions are critical for the best outcomes.