What You Should Know
Non-melanoma skin cancers — primarily basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — are the most common cancers in the United States. In Florida, the combination of year-round sun and an older population means Dr. Khanna treats these regularly at all five locations.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
BCC typically appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body but can cause significant local destruction if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
SCC often appears as a firm red nodule, a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface, or a new sore or raised area on an existing scar. SCC has a higher risk of spreading than BCC, making prompt treatment important.
How It Works
A small tissue sample is taken and processed in our on-site dermatopathology lab for accurate diagnosis.
Based on the type, size, and location, Dr. Khanna recommends the most appropriate treatment.
Options include Mohs surgery, surgical excision, superficial radiation therapy, electrodesiccation and curettage, or topical therapies.
Regular monitoring visits are scheduled. Patients with one BCC or SCC have a higher risk of developing additional skin cancers.
Who Is This Right For?
Anyone with a suspicious spot that is new, changing, bleeding, or not healing should be evaluated. Risk factors include fair skin, history of sunburns, significant cumulative sun exposure, immunosuppression, and a previous history of skin cancer.
"I see non-melanoma skin cancers every week. Most are very treatable — but I also see patients who waited too long. Please do not wait for a spot to "go away on its own." It will not."
