Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

A basal cell carcinoma (commonly known as a rodent ulcer or BCC) is a very prevalent, low-grade form of skin cancer that tends to grow slowly over time without spreading to other areas. If not addressed, it will not resolve on its own and may eventually lead to symptoms like bleeding or soreness. When located near vital structures such as the eye or nose, it can cause more significant damage to sight or breathing. Regular mole screening can help in early detection of this type of skin cancer.

In most instances, basal cell carcinoma can be effectively cured once it has been completely excised through skin cancer surgery or treated with a chemotherapy cream if the carcinoma is very thin.

There are several types of basal cell carcinoma:

1) Nodular - this is the most common form, characterized by a lump on the skin which may have a central ulcer where the skin has broken down. It usually appears shiny or pearly around the edges, reflecting light.

2) Morphoeic - this variety can resemble a white, firm scar that feels thickened when pinched, gradually increasing in size over time.

3) Pigmented - this type may be confused with melanoma due to some brown (pigmented) coloration. A Consultant can usually differentiate it using a Dermatoscope.

4) Superficial - indicating that the cancer is restricted to the top layer of the skin, it appears as a red mark that may bleed when rubbed, for example, with a towel. Superficial BCC can often be treated with a cream called Aldara (imiquimod), liquid nitrogen, or through a curettage procedure.

Treatment for basal cell carcinoma depends on the subtype. Nodular, morphoeic, and infiltrative subtypes usually require surgical removal with a margin of surrounding tissue, performed under local anaesthetic.

Your dermatologist can arrange this for you, and in most cases it is a minor procedure carried out while you are awake, under local anaesthetic. Dr Aaron Wernham is a Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, trained to achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes alongside effective tumour clearance.

See fees and further information on skin cancer surgery.

In some cases, you may be advised to have a specialised surgical technique called Mohs Micrographic Surgery. This allows the tumour to be examined under the microscope while you wait, to confirm the margins are clear before the wound is reconstructed and closed.

If your basal cell carcinoma is very thin (superficial type), other treatments may be suitable. For more information, see our minor surgery page. These include:

• Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen)
• Curettage and cautery
• Imiquimod (Aldara) or 5-fluorouracil (Efudix) cream

Dr Wernham provides basal cell carcinoma treatment in Sutton Coldfield,  Stafford & Stourbridge.