A spot that does not heal
A sore that remains open, repeatedly crusts or bleeds, or seems to heal and then returns should be examined.
Skin Cancer Care · Upper East Side NYC
Basal Cell Carcinoma Care in NYC
A changing spot or a confirmed diagnosis deserves careful evaluation and a clear next step.
At Dermatology Circle, Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya evaluates suspicious skin lesions, discusses biopsy when indicated and helps you understand the treatment plan for basal cell carcinoma. Care begins with a personal assessment at our Upper East Side practice.
Dermatology & dermatopathology expertise
Physician-only care
Individual treatment planning
Understanding basal cell carcinoma
A Small Skin Change. A Reason to Look Closer.
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common skin cancer. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere, but it can damage nearby tissue. Early assessment matters.
A pearly or changing bump
BCC may look shiny, translucent, pink or skin-colored. In darker skin tones, it can appear brown or black.
A scaly patch or scar-like area
Some tumors appear as a persistent scaly patch or a firm, scar-like area rather than an obvious bump.
Diagnosis before treatment
Examine the Skin. Understand the Diagnosis.
Your consultation connects the examination, your medical history and any available pathology report.
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Assess the lesion
Review its appearance, location and changes over time, together with your history of skin cancer and previous treatment.
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Discuss a biopsy
If the lesion is suspicious, a sample may be taken under local anesthesia and examined microscopically to confirm the diagnosis.
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Review the findings
The pathology findings, tumor size, location and whether it has returned after treatment help guide the next step.
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Plan appropriate care
Discuss treatment, specialist referral when needed and follow-up. Bring an existing biopsy report if you already have a diagnosis.
Basal cell carcinoma treatment
The Right Treatment Depends on the Tumor.
Treatment selection considers the BCC subtype, location, size, recurrence risk and your health. The options below explain the approaches that may be discussed after diagnosis.
Surgical treatment
Standard Excision
The tumor is removed with a margin of surrounding skin. Laboratory examination checks the margins for remaining cancer cells.
Specialist surgery
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
A Mohs surgeon removes thin layers and checks the margins during the procedure. It is often considered for higher-risk, recurrent or certain facial BCCs.
Selected low-risk tumors
Curettage & Electrodesiccation
The lesion is scraped away and the area treated with electrical energy. This option is suitable for selected low-risk tumors.
Selected superficial BCCs
Prescription Topical Treatment
Imiquimod or fluorouracil cream may be considered for some superficial BCCs. These treatments are not appropriate for every subtype or location.
When clinically appropriate
Radiation Therapy
This treatment uses ionizing radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be considered when surgery is unsuitable or when additional treatment is needed after surgery.
Advanced disease
Specialist Systemic Treatment
Locally advanced or metastatic BCC may require targeted therapy or immunotherapy. These uncommon situations need specialist care.
Risk reduction & follow-up
After Treatment. Stay Attentive to Your Skin.
UV exposure from the sun and tanning devices is a major cause of BCC. Previous skin cancer and a weakened immune system can also increase risk.
After a BCC diagnosis, ongoing skin checks monitor for recurrence and help identify new skin cancers. Your follow-up schedule is individualized.
Discuss your skin surveillance planFollow your wound-care instructions
Healing depends on the procedure and location. Follow the treating clinician’s instructions and attend the recommended appointments.
Watch for new or returning changes
Check your skin as advised and report a growing, bleeding or non-healing spot, including changes near a treated site.
Make sun protection consistent
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, protective clothing and shade. Reapply sunscreen outdoors and avoid indoor tanning.
Your physician
Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD/PhD
Double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology.
Meet Dr. KazlouskayaA skin cancer diagnosis can raise questions about treatment, healing and what comes next. Dr. Kazlouskaya brings dermatology and dermatopathology expertise to the discussion, helping you understand how clinical and pathology findings inform care.
At our direct-pay Upper East Side practice, consultations are personally directed by the physician, with time to discuss your findings and next steps.
Physician-only
Personal evaluation and treatment planning
Diagnosis-informed
Clinical findings and pathology considered together
Basal cell carcinoma · NYC
Frequently Asked Questions.
Practical answers about diagnosis, treatment planning and your consultation.
Is basal cell carcinoma serious?
BCC rarely spreads to distant parts of the body, but it can grow into nearby tissue. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important.
Can BCC look like a pimple?
Yes. A small bump can resemble a pimple. A spot that persists, changes, repeatedly bleeds or does not heal should be examined.
Do I need a biopsy?
A biopsy is usually needed to confirm a suspected BCC and identify its subtype. The decision and biopsy method depend on the examination.
Does every BCC require Mohs surgery?
No. Mohs is recommended for selected tumors. The location, subtype, recurrence risk and other clinical findings help determine the appropriate treatment.
Can basal cell carcinoma be treated with a cream?
Prescription creams may treat selected superficial BCCs. They are not suitable for every tumor, and follow-up is needed to assess the outcome.
Will I need a CT scan or MRI?
Most localized BCCs do not require imaging. Scans may be considered when there is concern about deeper, aggressive or advanced disease.
What should I bring if I already have a diagnosis?
Bring your pathology report, details of previous treatment, medication list and relevant photographs. These help make the consultation more useful.
Does Dermatology Circle accept insurance?
Dermatology Circle is a direct-pay practice. Contact the office for current consultation fees, scheduling and details about any additional testing or procedures.
Dermatology Circle · Upper East Side
Understand Your Diagnosis. Plan Your Next Step.
Whether you have noticed a suspicious spot or received a BCC diagnosis, schedule a consultation to discuss your findings and appropriate care.
Skin Cancer Care · NYC Schedule Your Consultation
Practice
Dermatology Circle
Address
801 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10065
New York, NY 10065
Care
Physician-only consultations
Phone
(914) 602-4776