Q: Which doctors treat basal cell cancer?
A: Basal cell cancer is diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist or skin specialist. A surgeon especially one trained in microscopic surgery may also participate in the treatment.
Q: Can basal cell cancer result in death of the patient?
A: Though basal cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer, it accounts for less than 0.1% of all the deaths due to cancer.
Q: How can one differentiate between squamous and basal cell cancer?
A: Squamous and basal cell cancer can be differentiated on the basis of location and clinical features, though it may be difficult at times. Biopsy helps in definite differentiation between the two – basal cell cancer has cells that resemble those at the base of the epidermal layer of the skin, whereas squamous cell cancer is made of cells that resemble the upper layer of epidermis. Squamous cell cancers can spread to distant organs, whereas basal cell cancers usually spread only locally.
