Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a non-melanoma skin cancer and accounts for around 80% of all skin cancer cases. Although BCCs rarely spread beyond the local area, they can still cause visible changes to the skin and lead to uncomfortable symptoms.
BCCs are often painless and slow-growing, but they may form scabs that bleed and do not heal properly. If left untreated, the lesion can gradually erode the skin, leading to ulceration, sometimes referred to as a “rodent ulcer”.
Even when superficial, BCCs typically appear as red, scaly patches or pearly nodules. In some cases, they become more noticeable due to fine blood vessels running across the surface.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Although also classified as a non-melanoma skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) carries a greater risk of spreading than basal cell carcinoma. While not as aggressive as melanoma, SCC still warrants prompt attention and treatment.
Beyond the potential health risks, SCC can be just as concerning from a cosmetic and personal perspective. The lesions often appear as scaly or wart-like growths that may bleed, crust over, or ulcerate. If left untreated, they can spread locally and become more difficult to manage.
SCCs frequently develop on exposed areas of the face, making early diagnosis especially important. What may begin as a small, harmless-looking lesion can gradually grow and lead to significant disfigurement if not addressed in time.
Treatment For BCCs & SCCs
While both types of cancer are generally treatable, the approach to treatment depends on factors such as the size, location, and stage of the lesion.
At our clinic, we offer a range of advanced, effective treatments to ensure the best possible outcome, both medically and cosmetically, while prioritising your long-term health and wellbeing.
Surgical Removal
The most common and effective treatment for both BCC and SCC is surgical excision. The lesion is carefully removed along with a small margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are taken out. This is often done under local anaesthetic, especially for smaller lesions, and is a straightforward outpatient procedure.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
For cancers on the face or in areas where preserving healthy tissue is essential, Mohs surgery is often recommended.
This highly specialised technique removes the cancer layer by layer while immediately examining each under a microscope.
It offers the highest cure rates and minimal damage to surrounding skin, making it ideal for facial treatment.
Curettage and Cautery
This technique involves scraping away the lesion with a special instrument (curette) and then using heat (cautery) to treat the area. It can be effective for certain small BCCs and is often a quick, minimally invasive option.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the cancerous tissue using liquid nitrogen. It’s typically used for superficial lesions and may be suitable for early-stage BCCs or small SCCs in low-risk areas.
Topical Treatments
In selected cases prescribed creams can be used to stimulate the body’s immune response or directly destroy cancerous cells. These are applied over a number of weeks and are usually monitored by your specialist.
Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy
If surgery is not suitable radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be offered, particularly for larger or more advanced lesions. This is also sometimes used after surgery where margins were unclear, or for high-risk SCCs, when the cancer has spread elsewhere.
Care At Our London Clinic
You can be assured of personal support and the finest surgical care when required.
We work with areas of your body which are highly visible and take great care during surgery. In cases where significant removal of tissue is needed to ensure the right result, advanced plastic surgery is available.
Whether surgical, or non surgical techniques are used, our objective is to bring medical and aesthetic satisfaction. By all means get in touch with our friendly staff.