BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC) TREATMENT

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells, which are found in the deepest layer of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and usually occurs in areas of the skin that have been exposed to sunlight, such as the face, scalp, ears, and neck.

The exact cause of BCC is not known, but it is believed to be related to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. People with fair skin, blue or green eyes, and blond or red hair are at a higher risk of developing BCC, as are those with a family history of skin cancer.

The signs and symptoms of BCC can vary, but often include a raised, pearly bump that may bleed or crust over, a flat, pale or yellow area that looks like a scar, or a red, irritated area that may itch or hurt. BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body but can invade nearby tissues and cause significant damage if left untreated.

Treatment for BCC typically involves removing the tumor with surgery or other techniques such as cryosurgery, electrodesiccation and curettage, or Mohs surgery. In some cases, topical medications or radiation therapy may also be used. Prevention of BCC includes protecting the skin from the sun, avoiding tanning beds, and performing regular skin self-exams to detect any new or changing growths on the skin.

What are the types of basal cell carcinoma?

There are several types of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), each with its own distinct appearance and characteristics. The most common types of BCC include:

Nodular BCC: This is the most common type of BCC, accounting for about 60% of cases. It appears as a pearly or waxy bump on the skin, often with visible blood vessels.
Superficial BCC: This type of BCC is usually flat and scaly, and may resemble a patch of eczema or psoriasis. It is more common on the trunk and limbs, and accounts for about 15-20% of cases.
Pigmented BCC: This type of BCC is more common in people with darker skin and appears as a dark, brown or black spot on the skin. It can be mistaken for a mole or other benign lesion.
Morpheaform or infiltrative BCC: This type of BCC is more aggressive and can be difficult to treat. It appears as a flat, white or yellowish patch on the skin and may have poorly defined borders.
Fibroepithelial BCC: This type of BCC is rare and appears as a pink, dome-shaped bump on the skin. It is often located on the head and neck and may have small, dark spots on its surface.
Adenoid BCC: This type of BCC is also rare and appears as a pink or flesh-colored bump on the skin. It may have small, cyst-like spaces inside it and can be difficult to diagnose.

It’s worth noting that some BCCs may have features of more than one subtype, and that other rare subtypes of BCC also exist. The diagnosis and treatment of BCC are best left to a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare provider.

Where will I find symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) usually develops on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, arms, and legs. The symptoms of BCC can vary depending on the type of BCC and how advanced the cancer is.

Some of the common symptoms of BCC include:

A raised, pearly or shiny bump on the skin, which may have small blood vessels on the surface
A pink or red patch of skin, which may be scaly, crusty, or itchy
A sore that does not heal or repeatedly heals and reopens in the same spot
A scar-like area that is flat and firm, and may have a white or yellow waxy appearance
A growth with rolled borders and a central indentation, which may bleed or ooze

If you notice any new growths or changes on your skin, it’s important to have them checked by a dermatologist or other healthcare professional. Early detection and treatment of BCC can help prevent the cancer from spreading and causing more serious problems.

Effective Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) Treatment Options for Early and Advanced BCC

The good news is that when BCCs are detected early, they can be treated and cured. Prompt treatment is essential as the tumor grows, it can become dangerous and cause disfigurement, or in certain rare cases, be fatal if not treated promptly. Early detection and treatment of BCCs is key to ensuring a successful outcome and preventing the disease from progressing further.

If BCC is diagnosed early, there are a number of effective treatments that can be used on an outpatient basis with minimal pain and scarring.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) Treatment Types:

Surgery: This is the most common treatment for BCC, and it involves removing the cancerous tissue with a scalpel or other surgical tool. The goal is to remove the entire tumor while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Surgery may be used for both early and advanced BCC.
Curettage and electrodesiccation (electrosurgery): Scraping off the cancerous lump with a curette and then burning with a special electric needle. Curettage and electrosurgery is a relatively quick and simple procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office. It has a high cure rate for low-risk BCCs, but is not usually recommended for high-risk or aggressive BCCs, as it may not completely remove all of the cancer cells. In some cases, curettage and electrosurgery may be combined with other treatments, such as topical chemotherapy, to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Cryotherapy or cryosurgery: This treatment involves freezing the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen, causing them to die and slough off over time. Cryotherapy is typically used for early-stage BCCs.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment option for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The chemotherapy drugs used to treat BCC are typically administered intravenously, although some drugs may be applied topically to the skin. The drugs circulate through the bloodstream, and they can kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Topical medications: Certain topical medications, such as imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and diclofenac, can be applied directly to the skin to treat early-stage BCCs. These medications work by stimulating the immune system to attack the cancer cells or by causing the cancer cells to die.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This treatment involves applying a special medication to the skin and then using a special light source to activate the medication, which kills the cancer cells. PDT is often used for early-stage BCCs that are located on the face or other sensitive areas.
Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used for early or advanced BCC, and is often used in cases where surgery is not an option or where the cancer has spread to nearby tissues.
Mohs surgery: This is a specialized form of surgery used to treat BCCs that are large, aggressive, or located in areas where it is important to preserve healthy tissue, such as the face. Mohs surgery involves removing the cancerous tissue layer by layer, and examining each layer under a microscope to ensure that all of the cancer has been removed.
Laser surgery: Laser surgery is a treatment option for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that involves using a high-energy beam of light to remove the cancerous tissue. The laser energy destroys the cancer cells, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Laser surgery is typically used for small, superficial BCCs that are located on the surface of the skin, and it is often performed in a doctor’s office or clinic under local anesthesia.
Excisional surgery: Excisional surgery is a common treatment option for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It involves removing the cancerous tissue and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue to ensure that all of the cancer is removed. Excisional surgery is typically performed in a doctor’s office or clinic under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used in some cases.

It’s important to note that each treatment option has its own benefits and risks, and our doctor will help you choose the best option for your individual situation.

Best Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Treatment in Hyderabad at Sweta Clinics

BCC affects millions of people around the world each year and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Fortunately, there is a wide range of treatment options available for skin cancer, depending on the individual’s needs. At Sweta Clinics in Hyderabad, India, we are dedicated to providing patient-centered care and the best BCC treatment available. We have a team of highly experienced and specialized surgeons and dermatologists who are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of BCC. Our team works together to create custom treatment plans that are tailored to each individual’s unique needs. We strive to provide the best possible care and outcomes for each and every patient.