Basal Cell Skin Cancer

What is Basal Cell Skin Cancer?

Basal cell skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer seen in New Zealand. Basal cell skin cancer is most commonly found on sun exposed areas, especially the face. Basal cell skin cancer arises from the basal cells in the skin being damaged by ultraviolet light.

The classic appearance is of a raised translucent lump on the skin, which is often flesh coloured. These generally grow slowly and initially may easily be mistaken for benign growths. The cardinal signs, however, are of a non-healing bleeding lump on the skin, which never heals and ever so slowly increases in size. Any spot with these features should be checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Basal cell carcinoma is a locally invading tumour and is rarely life threatening. Early diagnosis is important to ensure the most effective and least evasive treatment.

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What causes basal cell skin cancer?

In over 90% of cases, the main cause is long term excessive exposure to the sun. Excessive amounts of UVB radiation will cause DNA damage, which in turn can trigger basal cell skin cancer.

There are also some rare genetic causes for basal cell skin cancer.

Risk factors for basal cell skin cancer include:

Previous sun exposure, for example, the elderly population who had a lot of sun exposure historically or people who have worked outside.

Fair skin.

Cumulative sun exposure over a number of years is an important pre-disposing factor.

Any condition that suppresses the immune system may also increase the risk of basal cell skin cancer.

Previous basal cell skin cancer.

Skin Checks

Regular skin checks are an important part in the early diagnosis of basal cell skin cancer particularly in high risk patients. Find our more about skin checks here.

Basal Cell Skin Cancer Treatment

Treatment will depend on the size, type and location of the basal cell skin cancer.

1. Non-surgical treatments – These forms of treatment are suitable for superficial smaller non-aggressive types of basal cell skin cancer. These include:

Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.

Curette removal under local anaesthetic.

Photodynamic therapy.

Topical therapy – Imiquimod crème and 5-Fluorouracil crème.

Radiotherapy

The majority of basal cell skin cancers are treated surgically. This involves removing the area plus a margin of normal skin under local anaesthetic and simple closure of the wound.

Moh’s micrographic controlled excision – this is a special type of surgical excision reserved for large, recurrent or tumours in high risk places.

3. Regular follow up skin checks

Basal Cell Skin Cancer

What is Basal Cell Skin Cancer?

What causes basal cell skin cancer?

Risk factors for basal cell skin cancer include:

Skin Checks

Basal Cell Skin Cancer Treatment

Basal cell skin cancer in Summary

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