Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows from cells in the lower part of the upper layer of the skin. The growth tends to be quite slow, taking a period of months to years, and only rarely do these cancers spread throughout the body.
BCCs most commonly appear on the face, head, neck and trunk regions and can occur in difficult to treat areas such as near the eye and the lower legs. In short, BCCs can occur on any area of the body. In most cases they are curable and one can achieve excellent cosmetic results.
Types of BCCs
NODULAR AND NODULAR-ULCERATIVE BCCs
These are most common. They start as round, hard, red or red-grey pearly bumps, which might continue to extend and ulcerate if left untreated.
PIGMENTED BCC
This is similar to the nodular BCC but it has areas of pigmentation (darker areas). and could be confused with melanoma, a more serious cancer.
SUPERFICIAL BCC
The superficial BCC occurs mainly on the trunk as a red patch, usually up to 3cm in diameter. The edge of these tumours can be difficult to distinguish.
MORPHOEIC BCC
This looks like a firm yellow-white scar-like area and is often mistaken for one. These BCCs are often bigger than they first appear to the naked eye and may require special treatment techniques (see Mohs’ Surgery).
