Basal cell carcinoma

Question 1

What are the risk factors for BCC?

Answer 1

Male
UV exposure - sun exposure and sunbeds
Fair skin - fitzpatrick type 1 and 2
Xeroderma pigmentosium
Immunosuppression
Arsenic exposure

Question 2

What are the two types of BCC and which is more common?

Answer 2

Nodular - most common
Superficial

Question 3

What are the features of nodular BCC?

Answer 3

Found on skin exposed to the sun
Commonly affects the face, neck, ears and chest
Pearly, indurated flesh-coloured papule
Rolled border
Covered in telangiectasia
Can ulcerate and leave a central crater
Slow growing

Question 4

What are the features of superficial BCC?

Answer 4

Flat, scaly plaque
Usually found on the trunk

Question 5

What investigations are used in the diagnosis of BCC?

Answer 5

Clinical diagnosis, but can consider a biopsy

Question 6

What is the surgical management of BCC?

Answer 6

Conventional surgical excision
Mohs surgery - tumour is removed layer by layer
Curettage and cautery

Question 7

What alternative management options are available for BCC?

Answer 7

Radiotherapy
Cryotherapy
Topical therapy - imiquimod and fluorouracil