Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC appears as a skin-coloured, pink, or pigmented nodule or plaque with a pearly edge and can ulcerate.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer.
While BCC is known for its local invasiveness, it rarely metastasises due to its typically slow growth and minimal tendency to spread beyond its original site. However, if left untreated, BCC can cause significant local destruction, potentially eroding through skin and soft tissues to reach underlying bones.
Understanding Basal Cell Carcinoma
BCC arises from mutations in the cells of hair follicles. Consequently, areas without hair follicles—such as the lips, palms, soles, and vulva minora—are unlikely to develop BCC.
Symptoms: BCC typically appears as a skin-coloured, pink, or pigmented nodule or plaque with a pearly edge and can ulcerate. Different types include nodular, superficial, morphoeic, and the more aggressive basosquamous carcinoma.
Treatment Necessity
Despite its low risk for metastasis, BCC requires treatment to prevent extensive local damage. If you have an upcoming holiday or important event. You can have up to 6 months to schedule your excision. Treatment options include –
Surgical Excision
Often the first choice, providing clear margins to ensure complete removal.
Mohs Surgery
Ideal for facial and other complex areas, preserving healthy tissue while thoroughly removing cancer cells. We will involve your care with a Dermatologist who specialises in Mohs Surgery.
Less Invasive Treatments
Cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and topical treatments are options for less aggressive or superficial BCCs.
Prevention of Actinic Keratoses
Apart from practicing sun-smart and attending regular skin checks. (which we are all aware of). Some studies have shown a reduction of Solar Keratosis with:
- Taking Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) 500 mg twice.
- Applying prescription Tretinoin.
Book Now. No referrals required.
Our Skin Check process is confidential, gentle and friendly to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the whole process. Our experienced doctors will guide you and expert advice, so you can make confident and informed decisions.
Post-Treatment Care
Results and Follow-up:
Follow-up appointments are encouraged to monitor healing and address any concerns post-procedure. These consultations help manage potential complications such as infection or hypertrophic scarring effectively.
Personalised treatment with Dr. Tina Fang
Dr. Tina Fang is known for her expertise and innovative approach to Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), a treatment for skin conditions like sun damage, solar keratoses, and certain superficial skin cancers such as Intraepithelial Carcinomas (IECs) and superficial Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs).
Unlike set treatment protocols, Dr. Fang tailors each PDT plan to the unique needs of the patient, continually refining her methods based on patient feedback to optimize skin health outcomes.
Advantages of Photodynamic Therapy
At ISO Skin Cancer and Laser Clinic, our commitment to expertise, compassion, innovation, and integrity drives everything we do to ensure the highest quality of care for our patients.
Recovery Time
PDT typically results in abc out 5 days of redness and irritation, compared to the discomfort extending over 4-6 weeks with topical chemotherapy creams.
Effectiveness
PDT has an approximate clearance rate of 80%, while traditional topical treatments like Efudix have a completion rate of about 75%. Laser-assisted PDT can further increase this rate to approximately 85%.
