Basal Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer 1

One of three main types of skin cancer.
Lesions characterised by slow-growth & local invasion.

Question 2

Aetiology of basal cell carcinomas

Answer 2

• Cumulative UV exposure
• Increasing age
• Skin types I & II
• Women > men

Question 3

Typical BCC presentation

Answer 3

• slow growing lesion, increasing by ~2-3mm a year
• never fully heals, bleeds or scabs from time to time

Question 4

Common distribution pattern of BCCs

Answer 4

• most common on head, face, neck
• very rare on non hair-bearing regions (e.g. forearm)

Question 5

Common morphology of BCCs

Answer 5

• ‘pearly’ lesions with bloody crust
• rolled edges with ulcerated centre
• telengiectasia
• may be pigmented or non-pigmented

Question 6

Managing basal cell carcinomas

Answer 6

Surgical excision:
- with 4mm margin

Topical treatments:
- Efudix cream (6 weeks)
- Imiquimod 5% cream (6 weeks)

Photodynamic therapy

Cryosurgery

No treatment