Treatment Options
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is a non-worrying form of skin cancer, however if left untreated it will grow slowly with time and may become more invasive. As it is limited to the surface of the skin, more invasive surgical options are not always the best option.
Topical Treatment
Certain low risk 'superficial' BCCs can be treated with creams - the evidence is strongest for imiquimod, however efudix is also sometimes used. I will most commonly prescribe imiquimod. Typically the cream will need to be applied for a number of weeks and if it is succesful there will be inflammation, blistering and crusting.
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Curettage and Cautery
The tumour is removed by scraping (curettage) or superficial shaving (saucerisation) under local anaesthetic to leave a scar a little larger than the size of the tumour. It is less invasive than other surgical treatments but the risk of recurrence or incomplete treatment is significantly higher. It is rarely advised for higher risk tumours or sensitive facial sites.
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Photodynamic Therapy
Low risk 'superficial' BCCs can be treated with photodynamic therapy. A sensitizing gel is applied and left to sink into the skin then ultraviolet light is applied from a lamp. Two treatments are required separated by a week. Each treatment can take up to two hours or longer.
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Cryotherapy
Low risk 'superficial' BCCs can be treated with cryotherapy - freezing with liquid nitrogen. The treatment is relatively quick and easy but there will often be significant inflammation and/or blistering or crusting after the treatment.
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Wide Local Excision
The tumour is removed with a margin of approximately 4mm and the defect is stitched to leave a scar that is usually at least 3 times as long as the tumour.
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