Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) develops in the basal cells of the skins’ surface (epidermis) and is the most common but least dangerous type of skin cancer. BCC accounts for about 70-85% of all skin cancers.

What Causes bcc?

BCC is usually the result of long-term exposure to the sun, which is why the most commonly affected areas are the frequently exposed parts of the body, such as the face, neck or upper torso.

Can it be cured?

Yes it can be cured. Generally BCC’s have few risks associated with them because they are so slow growing and don’t spread to other areas. However, if neglected they can cause massive destruction to surrounding tissue such as the nose or eye. It is rare for BCC to lead to death.

What does bcc look like?

A BCC usually looks like a pink ‘pearly’ lump, which doesn’t go away within a few weeks or months. This lump then becomes ulcerated but usually has no other symptoms associated with it such as itchiness, burning or tenderness. It is a very slow growing ulcer with rounded edges and may bleed. BCC can also look like non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

Commonly a BCC will have two or more of the following features.

Basic characteristics of BCC:
Small, shiny, pink or pearly looking lump

Ulcerated lump with rounded edges
Blood vessels on the edges
Very slow growing, usually over several years
May develop a crust
Ulcer that doesn’t seem to heal
Bleeding

What are treatment options?

There is a variety of treatments available for BCC’s, including excision, destruction by freezing or electrical burning, medicated cream and medication-enhanced light therapy (PDT). The correct treatment depends upon the type the type of BCC, and experienced doctors can assist in deciding on the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment of BCC’s are almost always successful and procedures leave relatively little scarring.

BCC may sometimes reoccur at the same site or in another area so it is advisable that you have regular check ups.

Who’s at risk of developing bcc?

Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of skin type. Statistics show that one in two Australians will develop some sort of skin cancer.

Until recently, most people affected with BCC were the middle-aged and elderly, in particular men who work outdoors. In the past few years the number of cases of BCC has increased greatly and the average age of onset has steadily decreased.

Factors that may increased your risk include:

you don’t protect your skin from the sun
you work outdoors
you tend to spend a lot of time outside
you have infrequent but intense sun exposure
you were born or lived in Australia during your childhood
you have a fair complexion, blue or green eyes, red or fair hair and you tend to tan poorly or burn easily
you live close to the equator. For example, the rate of diagnosed skin cancers in Tasmania are much lower than those in Queensland
you have already had some sort of skin cancer

What can i do?

Take steps to help prevent and reduce the risk of BCC caused by UV radiation.

These should include:

Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm (daylight saving hours) or between 10am and 2pm all other times of the year.
Stay in the shade. However, be sure to choose your shade carefully as UV can reflect off certain surfaces and you may still burn
Wear clothing that gives you good protection from the sun
Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your face, neck and ears
Use sunscreen. Sunscreen with SPF of at least 15+ with broad spectrum and water resistance should be used regardless of your skin type.
Protect you lips with either sunscreen or lip balm with SPF.

If you are concerned about developing any form of skin cancer, talk to your doctor about the disease. Your doctor will outline what symptoms you should look out for and an appropriate check-up schedule for you.

Check your own skin regularly

It is recommended that you check your own skin every two to three months, along with your yearly skin check by your doctor. Conducting your own skin exam can be the best way to detecting the early warning signs of cancer.

Get to know your skin, your moles, freckles, blemishes and birthmarks. Be aware of any changes in the size, shape, and colour or number of spots and any sores or blemishes on your skin that don’t heal. These may be the early warning signs of skin cancer.

If you notice anything new or unusual, see your doctor as soon as possible.



	Home Company Profile Environmental Policy Accreditation, Quality & Safety Investor Centre Corporate Governance Securityholder Information Corporate Calendar Registry Services Healthscope Announcements Financial Reports Presentations Careers Search Current Positions Graduate Nurses International Nurses Communications The Pulse Health Matters Online Enquiry Contact Us
Healthscope Hospitals Medical Centres GP Clinics Skin Clinics Community Programs Human Pathology Advanced Pathology Veterinary Pathology Australia New Zealand Commercial Pathology Functional Pathology	Basal Cell Carcinoma What is Basal Cell Carcinoma? Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) develops in the basal cells of the skins’ surface (epidermis) and is the most common but least dangerous type of skin cancer. BCC accounts for about 70-85% of all skin cancers. What Causes bcc? BCC is usually the result of long-term exposure to the sun, which is why the most commonly affected areas are the frequently exposed parts of the body, such as the face, neck or upper torso. Can it be cured? Yes it can be cured. Generally BCC’s have few risks associated with them because they are so slow growing and don’t spread to other areas. However, if neglected they can cause massive destruction to surrounding tissue such as the nose or eye. It is rare for BCC to lead to death. What does bcc look like? A BCC usually looks like a pink ‘pearly’ lump, which doesn’t go away within a few weeks or months. This lump then becomes ulcerated but usually has no other symptoms associated with it such as itchiness, burning or tenderness. It is a very slow growing ulcer with rounded edges and may bleed. BCC can also look like non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Commonly a BCC will have two or more of the following features. Basic characteristics of BCC: Small, shiny, pink or pearly looking lump Ulcerated lump with rounded edges Blood vessels on the edges Very slow growing, usually over several years May develop a crust Ulcer that doesn’t seem to heal Bleeding What are treatment options? There is a variety of treatments available for BCC’s, including excision, destruction by freezing or electrical burning, medicated cream and medication-enhanced light therapy (PDT). The correct treatment depends upon the type the type of BCC, and experienced doctors can assist in deciding on the most appropriate treatment. Treatment of BCC’s are almost always successful and procedures leave relatively little scarring. BCC may sometimes reoccur at the same site or in another area so it is advisable that you have regular check ups. Who’s at risk of developing bcc? Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of skin type. Statistics show that one in two Australians will develop some sort of skin cancer. Until recently, most people affected with BCC were the middle-aged and elderly, in particular men who work outdoors. In the past few years the number of cases of BCC has increased greatly and the average age of onset has steadily decreased. Factors that may increased your risk include: you don’t protect your skin from the sun you work outdoors you tend to spend a lot of time outside you have infrequent but intense sun exposure you were born or lived in Australia during your childhood you have a fair complexion, blue or green eyes, red or fair hair and you tend to tan poorly or burn easily you live close to the equator. For example, the rate of diagnosed skin cancers in Tasmania are much lower than those in Queensland you have already had some sort of skin cancer What can i do? Take steps to help prevent and reduce the risk of BCC caused by UV radiation. These should include: Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm (daylight saving hours) or between 10am and 2pm all other times of the year. Stay in the shade. However, be sure to choose your shade carefully as UV can reflect off certain surfaces and you may still burn Wear clothing that gives you good protection from the sun Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your face, neck and ears Use sunscreen. Sunscreen with SPF of at least 15+ with broad spectrum and water resistance should be used regardless of your skin type. Protect you lips with either sunscreen or lip balm with SPF. If you are concerned about developing any form of skin cancer, talk to your doctor about the disease. Your doctor will outline what symptoms you should look out for and an appropriate check-up schedule for you. Check your own skin regularly It is recommended that you check your own skin every two to three months, along with your yearly skin check by your doctor. Conducting your own skin exam can be the best way to detecting the early warning signs of cancer. Get to know your skin, your moles, freckles, blemishes and birthmarks. Be aware of any changes in the size, shape, and colour or number of spots and any sores or blemishes on your skin that don’t heal. These may be the early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice anything new or unusual, see your doctor as soon as possible.
	Privacy Policy \| Contact Us Copyright Š2010 Healthscope - All Rights Reserved