DEAR DR. GOTT: What is the danger of declining facial surgery for removal of skin for a small area of basal cell carcinoma on the cheek?
DEAR READER: Before I answer your question, I will give some general information regarding basal cell carcinoma. This is a type of skin cancer and, as the name implies, affects the basal cells which are responsible for producing new skin cells as the old ones die off. It is thought to be caused by long-term unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun. These cancers ordinarily appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to frequent sunlight, such as the face and neck.
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