basal cell carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer, and fortunately is the least likely to spread.

Again, these are usually in sun-exposed areas and more common in fair-skinned patients. They can occur during your 20’s but are more common later in life. Their appearance is quite variable, sometimes presenting as a pearly nodule, or a crusty ulcer, or even as a pale / wax thickening not unlike a scar. They do not grow very rapidly, and because of their slow nature, can often be left until they are quite large and therefore complex reconstruction is required.

Once the BCC is removed and the laboratory has confirmed an adequate safety margin, they are very unlikely to recur, however, the same sun-exposure that allowed one to grow will also effect other areas and a second BCC may grow elsewhere. Regular skin checks are important once a skin cancer has been diagnosed, and sun protection becomes even more important.

BCC Facts

• 65 – 80% of all skin cancers
• 85% in the head and neck region
• Usually slow growing. Only rarely has an aggressive, invasive phase
• Related to chronic sun exposure
• Fair skin a risk factor
• Surgery is treatment of choice
• Recurrence risk is ~ 4.5%