What is a BCC? This is the most common type of skin cancer in Australians. It is a slow growing skin cancer that often gradually increase in size over months to years. Most commonly it arises in sun exposed areas of the body such as the head and neck region although they can occur anywhere. These are skin cancers which comes from the skin stem cells that are found in the deeper (basal) layers of the skin. They are most commonly associated with ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun and their incidence increase with age. People who have fair skin, repeated episodes of sunburns, or have a previous history of skin cancers may be at higher risk of developing BCCs. Types of BCC There are many types of BCCs: the most common types are nodular BCC and superficial BCC (see photo). Both tend to be indolent skin cancers and slowly get bigger. It is very rare for them to spread to other organs in the body. There are many other types of BCC which are less common. Some can be more difficult to treat and may be more likely to come back after treatment. Symptoms

• Most commonly these do not cause

symptoms such as pain or itch. • Nodular BCCs often have a dome shape and a

pearly appearance. There may be small blood vessels visible around the borders.

• Superficial BCCs look like shiny reddish patches.

• A history of gradual change in the appearance or size of a lesion is as important as what it looks like when you attend your doctor.

• If you are unsure or concerned about any lesion it is best to have it checked by your doctor.

Non Surgical Treatment

• Often, superficial BCCs can be treated

effectively without surgery. • Cryotherapy (freezing the lesion) can be used. • Creams such as Aldara (Imiquimod) may be

prescribed once a biopsy has confirmed the lesion is a superficial BCC. Aldara can be applied over several weeks with a very good chance of cure.

Surgical Treatment

• Surgery is generally a very good option to

definitively remove the lesion. • Most of the time, small BCCs can be removed

under local anaesthetic in the office setting by your doctor.

• Larger BCCs may require removal in an operating theatre, including the expertise of a plastic surgeon in reconstruction with skin grafts or skin flaps.

• Complete surgical removal of common BCCs leads to a very high rate of cure.

Prevention Current recommendations for prevention include the use of sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater), avoiding the sun during midday hours and to wear appropriate clothing and hats when outdoors (Cancer Council Australia 2008). Please visit the Cancer Council website for more information.

Common types of BCC: nodular BCC (left) and superficial BCC (right)  

PATIENT INFORMATION Mr Frank Lin Plastic Surgeon

 BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

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Mr. Frank Lin, FRACS Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgeon

Tel: 9890 2800 Fax: 9890 3800 中文专线 : 9899 2266 This information is provided as a guide only. Copyright Dr. Frank Lin 2011-2014

www.drfranklin.com.au