Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Overview
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for around 75% of all skin cancers. It grows very slowly and very rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Although receiving a diagnosis of any cancer can be worrying, treatment for BCC is usually straightforward and successful, particularly if caught early while it is still small. If it has been undetected for a long time or is in an awkward place, like the ears or face, treatment can be more complicated but is still very effective.
BCCs can vary in appearance. So, if you have noticed any changes or unusual lesions on your skin it is critical to get them examined by a dermatologist. You may first become aware of a basal cell carcinoma as a scab that bleeds but does not heal properly, or as a new lump on the skin.
Some BCCs are superficial and look like flat, red, scaly patches. Others form a lump with a pearly, translucent appearance and a central crater.
If left untreated, basal cell carcinomas can become ulcerated – which is why they are sometimes known as ‘rodent ulcers’.
Treatment
In most cases, treatment for a BCC is quick and straightforward, and is usually very successful. The most common procedure is a simple surgical excision to remove the cancer, along with small margins of the surrounding healthy skin. The area is then closed with a few stitches. This is carried out by our surgical dermatologist.
If your cancer is in an area that is difficult to treat you may need a more advanced surgical procedure or radiotherapy.
If your cancer is very small or superficial there are other treatment options including:
- Curettage – a simple procedure where the cancer is scraped away, and the skin surface sealed with heat.
- Cryotherapy – liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the cancerous cells.
- Topical creams – including ones to stimulate your immune system.
Diagnosis
A specialized dermatologist will examine your skin using a tool called a dermatoscope, which magnifies skin lesions up to 10 times. BCCs have certain characteristics that an experienced dermatologist can detect, even if the lesion is tiny. It is therefore important to seek advice from a dermatologist if you have a new lesion on you to treat this early, if necessary.
Why GMI
At the GMI German Oncology Center, a dedicated team of internationally acclaimed physicians guides each lung cancer patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports lung cancer patients on their journey by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative oncology services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI German Oncology Center both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
