Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer which typically occurs on sun-exposed areas of skin. It may look like a new lump, sore, patch or change in the skin that does not heal as expected.
If you are worried about a possible BCC, or have noticed a lesion that has changed, we offer private skin assessments. The clinician will look at the area carefully, discuss your symptoms and advise what to do next.
BCC can look different for each person, so you should have your skin examined if you notice:
Your clinician will assess the lesion and explain whether it looks appropriate for treatment, monitoring or referral.
BCC is usually slow growing, but still needs to be properly evaluated and treated. If not treated, it may keep growing into surrounding skin and tissue, especially on areas such as the face, nose, ears, eyelids or scalp.
If assessed early, it can help confirm the likelihood that the lesion definitely is BCC, the need for treatment, and whether the location or appearance of the lesion makes specialist review more appropriate.
Your appointment will normally involve a detailed discussion about the skin change. Your clinician may ask about when it appeared, if it has grown, if it bleeds, if it is painful or itchy, and if you have ever had skin cancers.
The lesion will be examined carefully for size, shape, colour, border, surface and location. This helps to point as to whether the next step is treatment, biopsy, referral or monitoring.
Certain suspected or confirmed BCCs may be amenable to minor surgical treatment, depending on size, type, location and clinical features. If the lesion is amenable to removal in a clinic setting, surgical excision can be recommended.
If removal is appropriate, your clinician will discuss the procedure, local anaesthetic, expected scar, healing time and whether the tissue removed should be sent for laboratory analysis.
Not all BCCs require a standard minor surgery appointment. If the lesion is on a higher risk site, is larger, is a recurrent BCC, has poorly defined edges or has unusual features, then a specialist dermatology or skin cancer review may be needed.
If the safest option is specialist assessment, biopsy planning, imaging or a more complex treatment pathway, your clinician may recommend referral which is something we can assist with.
The best treatment of BCC depends on the type, size, depth, location and risk level of BCC. After assessment your clinician will tell you which option may be appropriate. Possible treatment pathways may include:
We recommend treatments based on safety, diagnosis and the best cosmetic and medical outcome.
If removal is necessary, the area is usually cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic. The lesion is then carefully excised with a margin of surrounding skin and the wound is closed with stitches if necessary.
You may feel some pressure or movement during the procedure but the local anaesthetic will help to reduce any pain. Before starting treatment, your clinician will walk you through each step and answer your questions.
The wound may be tender after removal of the BCC and will need time to heal. You may be given a dressing, advice about caring for the wound and a plan for follow up for stitch removal or review.
All skin surgery can result in a scar. The final appearance will depend on the lesion’s size and location, the closure technique, your skin type and the healing process of the wound. Your clinician should discuss with you the cosmetic outcome that can be reasonably expected.
After a BCC is diagnosed or removed, follow up is important. Your clinician may recommend a review of the wound, discussion of results, further treatment if the margins were not clear, or ongoing skin checks depending on your case.
Patients with BCC may be at increased risk of developing further sun-related skin changes and therefore it is important to monitor the skin and arrange review for any new or changing lesions.
After BCC is suspected or confirmed, sun protection is an important part of long-term skin health. It is not a substitute for treatment but can assist in reducing further damage and aid in prevention.
Your doctor may advise you to use sunscreen regularly, wear protective clothing, avoid strong midday sun and check your skin regularly for new or changing marks. This is especially important on exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, neck, arms and hands.
Choose your preferred clinic location and get in touch with our team directly to book an appointment or make an enquiry.
CALL NOW