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The Skin Cancer Center Florida Patients Trust Most

Greco Dermatology is a third-generation family practice offering skin cancer diagnosis and treatment across Sarasota and Venice, FL. Dr. Joseph F. Greco III, a double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, has performed more than 20,000 Mohs and excisional surgery procedures over a 15-plus-year career focused on skin cancer. He guides Venice patients through every phase of basal cell carcinoma care, from the first skin check to the final stitch, rather than passing them from one specialist to another.

What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells found in the deepest layer of the epidermis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, years of ultraviolet exposure from sunlight or tanning beds damage the DNA inside these cells, causing them to multiply out of control. A few things follow from that:

  • Roughly 3.6 million cases are diagnosed in the United States every year, according to the Skin Cancer
  • Foundation, making it more common than every other cancer combined
  • About 90% of cases trace back to UV exposure
  • It tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body
  • Left untreated, it can grow deep into surrounding skin, nerves, and even bone

Most cases appear on the head, neck, ears, nose, eyelids, or scalp, since these areas absorb the most cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime

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Types of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma isn't one single presentation. The most common subtypes include:

  • Nodular BCC, the most frequent type, appearing as a shiny, dome-shaped bump
  • Superficial BCC, a flat, scaly, reddish patch often mistaken for eczema
  • Morpheaform (sclerosing) BCC, a less common, scar-like subtype that can grow more aggressively beneath the skin's surface

Identifying the subtype during the biopsy helps Dr. Greco choose the most effective treatment path for each patient.

Warning Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma doesn't always look the same from one patient to the next, which is why regular skin checks matter as much as watching for symptoms. The Skin Cancer Foundation lists five classic warning signs to look for:

  • A sore that doesn't heal, or one that bleeds, oozes, or crusts over
  • A reddish, irritated patch on the face, chest, shoulder, arm, or leg
  • A shiny, pearly bump that can appear pink, red, white, or clear
  • A small pink growth with a raised, rolled edge and an indented center
  • A flat, scar-like area that looks waxy, white, or yellow

Any one of these changes is reason enough to schedule a skin exam at the Venice office rather than waiting for the next annual visit.

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Am I at Risk for Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma risk increases with cumulative sun exposure, so most patients share a few common features. The American Academy of Dermatology identifies these risk factors:

  • Fair skin, light eyes, or blonde or red hair
  • A history of blistering sunburns, especially before age 20
  • Regular use of tanning beds
  • Age 50 or older
  • A weakened immune system
  • A previous skin cancer diagnosis

Florida's year-round sun exposure means Venice residents often carry several of these risk factors at once, which is part of why routine skin checks matter so much for anyone living along the Gulf Coast.

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Why Choose Dr. Joseph Greco for Basal Cell Carcinoma in Venice, FL?

Dr. Joseph F. Greco III is double board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology in both dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, and he's a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery. He spent 15 years at UCLA, where he served as Director of UCLA Santa Monica Dermatology and performed more than 20,000 Mohs and excisional surgery procedures. During that time, he also trained 14 Mohs micrographic surgery fellows.

Dr. Greco serves as the cancer surgeon, dermatopathologist, and reconstructive surgeon on the same day as a basal cell carcinoma procedure, so Venice patients aren't shuttled between specialists for diagnosis, surgery, and repair. He was also recognized annually as a SuperDoctor in Southern California from 2016 to 2022 and named a TopDoctor in Los Angeles in 2018.

Diagnosing, Treating, and Recovering From Basal Cell Carcinoma

Skin Exam and Biopsy

Every basal cell carcinoma diagnosis starts with a skin exam. Dr. Greco uses a dermatoscope, a handheld magnification device, to examine a suspicious lesion closely before recommending a biopsy. That process typically includes:

  • A close visual and dermatoscopic exam of the lesion in question
  • A discussion of any symptoms or changes you've noticed, along with relevant history
  • A skin biopsy, which removes a small tissue sample for lab examination
  • Lab analysis, which the American Academy of Dermatology identifies as the only reliable way to confirm skin cancer
  • A follow-up conversation to review results and outline next steps

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the tumor's size, depth, and location. Options include:

  • Mohs micrographic surgery, which removes and examines tissue layer by layer until no cancer cells remain, achieving cure rates of up to 99% according to the American College of Mohs Surgery
  • Surgical excision, which removes the tumor along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation, which scrapes away the tumor and uses an electric current to destroy remaining cells
  • Photodynamic therapy, which pairs a light-sensitizing medication with a specific wavelength of light
  • Topical medications, prescribed for select superficial cases

Dr. Greco reviews which option fits each patient's tumor and goals during the consultation rather than defaulting to a single approach for every case.

Recovery and Follow-Up

Most basal cell carcinoma procedures are performed as outpatient procedures, and patients typically leave the Venice office the same day. What recovery looks like depends on the treatment path, but generally includes:

  • Same-day reconstruction in most Mohs surgery cases, so healing begins right away
  • Minimal downtime for non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments
  • Care instructions for the treated area to support healing and reduce scarring
  • Follow-up visits so Dr. Greco can monitor healing and check for any concerns
  • Ongoing skin checks afterward, since one basal cell carcinoma diagnosis raises the likelihood of developing another one later
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Related Skin Cancers We Treat

Basal cell carcinoma isn't the only skin cancer Greco Dermatology diagnoses and treats at the Venice office. Related conditions include:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer
  • Melanoma, a more serious form of skin cancer that requires prompt evaluation
  • Actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition that can develop into skin cancer if it's left untreated

Every patient receives the same exam-to-treatment continuity of care, regardless of which lesion brought them in. Learn more about the full range of skin cancer care available on our Skin Cancer Surgeon in Venice, FL page.

Schedule Your Basal Cell Carcinoma Consultation in Venice Today

If you've noticed a new or changing growth, don't wait for your next annual exam. Call Greco Dermatology's Venice office at (941) 667-5544 to schedule a skin exam with Dr. Joseph Greco and get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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FAQs

Is basal cell carcinoma dangerous?

Can basal cell carcinoma come back after treatment?

Does insurance cover basal cell carcinoma treatment?

How long does basal cell carcinoma treatment take?

Is basal cell carcinoma dangerous?

Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can grow into surrounding skin, muscle, and bone if it isn't treated. Early treatment keeps it a highly curable, localized condition.

Can basal cell carcinoma come back after treatment?

Yes. Patients who have had one basal cell carcinoma have a higher chance of developing another, which is why Dr. Greco recommends ongoing skin checks even after successful treatment.

Does insurance cover basal cell carcinoma treatment?

Most health insurance plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma, since it's medically necessary rather than cosmetic. The Venice office can help verify coverage before treatment begins.

How long does basal cell carcinoma treatment take?

Simpler cases, such as topical treatment or curettage, may resolve in a single visit. Mohs surgery typically takes a few hours on the same day, including reconstruction, so most patients go home the same day they arrive.

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Now Accepting New Dermatology Patients in Venice

Now Accepting New Dermatology Patients in Venice

Greco Dermatology’s Venice location is now accepting new dermatology patients. Schedule your visit online or by phone to get started.

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