Basal cell carcinoma

Read aloud

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and arises from the cells of the lower layer (the germ cells) of the epidermis. Basal cell carcinomas occur mostly in areas that are exposed to a lot of sunlight. Thus, a basal cell carcinoma on the face or ears is common.

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Treatment pathway:

1 Causes & symptoms

2 GP referral

3 Research & diagnosis

4 Treatment

Your primary care physician is your first point of contact if you have questions or complaints about your health. If the family doctor believes you need specialist care, he or she may refer you to Bergman Clinics. The referral will be sent digitally to Bergman Clinics or you can bring the referral letter yourself.

What is a basal cell carcinoma?

A basal cell carcinoma is a slowly growing red, brown or skin-colored, somewhat shiny elevation on the skin. Sometimes small blood vessels are visible. The growth eventually opens in the middle, leaving a non-healing wound. Crusts form on it, and sometimes there are complaints of itching or pain, or bleeding after minor damage.

A common sub-type is the superficial growing basal cell carcinoma. It usually develops slowly and may become progressively larger with undisturbed growth. In most cases, the tumor cells are confined to the upper layer of skin in the cells of the epidermis, but may change to a form that penetrates the deeper layers of skin if not completely removed. Superficial basal cell carcinomas can be recognized by red, partially scaly flat spots on the skin that sometimes strongly resemble eczema .

Be alert for a new or recurrent basal cell carcinoma. In 40% of people who have already been treated, a new basal cell carcinoma develops somewhere else within five years.

Consult your primary care physician or dermatologist if you suspect a basal cell carcinoma or new one.

More about basal cell carcinomas

Basal cell carcinomas actually never metastasize and virtually no one dies from this form of skin cancer. Its malignancy lies in the fact that it does not adhere to tissue boundaries. That means it can therefore grow through anything and destroy good tissue.

This form of skin cancer occurs 95 percent of the time in older people, but an increasing number of younger people also suffer from it.

Want to learn more about basal cell carcinoma treatment options at Bergman Clinics, including Mohs surgery? Then check out our treatment options page.
You can also feel free to call us at 088 9000 500. Our staff will be happy to answer your questions. It is possible to schedule a consultation appointment directly with a referral from your primary care physician. Your attending physician may also refer you to us for Mohs surgery.