A pearly or shiny bump
Often skin-colored, pink, or translucent, sometimes with tiny visible blood vessels.
Skin Cancer Center · Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Bend & Redmond, Oregon
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer — and it is very treatable when caught early. At Juniper Dermatology, a changing spot is evaluated with a skin check and, when needed, a biopsy, so your treatment is guided by an exact diagnosis.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Karla Snider Pivik, DO, FAAD, FAOCD — board‑certified dermatologist
The short answer
What you need to know about basal cell carcinoma.
BCC develops in the basal cells at the base of the outer skin layer, most often on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, scalp, and neck. It is usually slow-growing and rarely spreads to other organs, but it can grow locally and damage nearby tissue if untreated. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis, and the pathology report guides the plan. It often starts as a changing spot or lesion within our broader skin cancer care.
✓ BCC is the most common skin cancer and is usually slow-growing
✓ It rarely spreads to other organs, but it can grow locally and damage nearby tissue
✓ Diagnosis is confirmed with a skin biopsy sent to pathology
✓ Treatment is chosen from the pathology, size, location, and risk features
What to watch for
Common signs of basal cell carcinoma.
BCC can look different from person to person. Any new, changing, or non-healing spot deserves a look.
A sore that won't heal
A spot that bleeds, scabs, heals, and then returns in the same place over weeks.
A flat, scaly patch
A reddish or pale patch that may look like eczema but does not clear up.
A waxy, scar-like area
A firm, pale area without a clear border can be a less obvious (morpheaform) BCC.
Care built around your diagnosis
Treatment guided by pathology, not guesswork.
No two basal cell cancers are the same. The subtype, size, depth, location, and whether an area has been treated before all change what is appropriate. That is why we confirm the diagnosis with a biopsy first, then walk you through the options that fit your specific cancer.
Dr. Karla Pivik is a board-certified dermatologist with over 12 years of experience in skin cancer detection and treatment, and Juniper brings skin checks, biopsy, pathology-guided planning, and surgical excision together in Bend and Redmond.
Your treatment options
How basal cell carcinoma is treated at Juniper.
The right option depends on your pathology, the cancer’s location and risk features, and your goals.
Surgical excision
The cancer is removed with a planned margin of healthy tissue and confirmed under the microscope by pathology. This is a common, well-established treatment for many BCCs.
Mohs surgery — coming soon
Mohs surgery can be appropriate for higher-risk, recurrent, poorly defined, or cosmetically sensitive BCCs. It is coming soon to Juniper and is not yet bookable here.
GentleCure® Image-Guided SRT
A non-surgical option delivered in Bend for selected basal cell cancers. A dermatologist decides whether it is appropriate for your specific cancer; it is not used for melanoma.
Weighing surgery against a non-surgical approach? Compare Mohs surgery and GentleCure® IG-SRT, or learn more about GentleCure® Image-Guided SRT.
Your experience
From skin check to a clear plan.
Skin check & evaluation
Dr. Pivik or a Juniper provider examines the area with a dermatoscope, reviews your history and sun exposure, and identifies suspicious spots.
Biopsy & pathology
If a spot looks concerning, a small biopsy is taken and sent to pathology so the exact diagnosis and BCC subtype can be confirmed before any treatment decision.
Pathology-guided planning
Your plan is built from the report — the subtype, size, depth, location, and whether the area has been treated before all shape the recommendation.
Why choose Juniper
Local, dermatologist-led skin cancer care.
Behind every diagnosis is a person — often a parent, a grandparent, a lifelong Central Oregonian who has spent decades in the sun. We explain your options honestly and help you choose with confidence.
Dermatologist-led decisions. Your options are explained clearly so you can choose the plan that fits your cancer, your skin, and your goals.
Local, coordinated care. Skin checks, biopsy, pathology-guided planning, and surgical excision are offered in Bend and Redmond.
Seen without long delays. We aim for timely appointments so a changing spot can be evaluated promptly.
Insurance accepted. We accept Medicare and most major plans; our team can help verify benefits before treatment. Coverage varies by plan.
Questions & answers
Basal cell carcinoma FAQ.
Is basal cell carcinoma dangerous?
Basal cell carcinoma is usually slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if it is left untreated it can grow into and damage nearby skin, tissue, and structures, so prompt evaluation and treatment matter — especially on the face.
How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?
A dermatologist examines the spot, often with a dermatoscope, and confirms the diagnosis with a skin biopsy. A small sample is sent to pathology to confirm the diagnosis and the BCC subtype, which then guides the treatment plan.
How is basal cell carcinoma treated at Juniper?
Common options include surgical excision and GentleCure® Image-Guided SRT in Bend for selected cancers. Mohs surgery is coming soon and is not yet bookable at Juniper. Your dermatologist recommends the approach based on your pathology, the cancer's size and location, and your health and preferences.
Can basal cell carcinoma be treated without surgery?
For selected basal cell cancers, GentleCure® Image-Guided SRT is a non-surgical option delivered at our Bend office. Whether it is appropriate depends on your pathology, the tumor, its location, and your overall health — a dermatologist makes that determination. It is not used for melanoma.
Do you offer Mohs surgery for BCC?
Mohs surgery is coming soon to Juniper and is not yet bookable here. When a cancer may be best suited to Mohs, we will discuss the options with you. In the meantime, we offer skin checks, biopsy, pathology-guided planning, and surgical excision in Bend and Redmond.
Will I see Dr. Pivik for my skin cancer visit?
Juniper is a team practice. Depending on availability and your appointment type, you may be seen by Dr. Karla Pivik or another qualified Juniper provider. Your evaluation and treatment plan are guided by dermatology expertise.
How can I lower my risk of another skin cancer?
Daily sun protection, avoiding tanning, checking your own skin, and keeping regular skin checks all help. Having had one BCC raises the chance of developing another, so ongoing surveillance is an important part of your plan.
Independent sources
Trusted references on basal cell carcinoma.
These independent, authoritative resources can help you learn more about BCC and its treatment.
- American Academy of Dermatology — Basal cell carcinoma Patient overview of BCC signs, causes, and care.
- AAD — Basal cell carcinoma: Diagnosis & treatment How dermatologists diagnose and treat BCC.
- American Cancer Society — Basal & squamous cell skin cancer Detailed patient information on nonmelanoma skin cancers.
- National Cancer Institute — Skin cancer treatment (PDQ®) Evidence-based summary of skin cancer treatment options.
- StatPearls — Basal Cell Carcinoma (NCBI Bookshelf) Peer-reviewed clinical reference on BCC.
Bend & Redmond · Central Oregon
Have a spot that’s changing? Get it checked.
Dermatologist-led skin cancer evaluation in Bend and Redmond — with an exact diagnosis before any treatment decision.