Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Removal in Glasgow
Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs) are a form of skin cancer which can develop anywhere on the body, most commonly affecting areas which are exposed to the sun. It is the most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer and the amount of people with BCCs is unfortunately rising.
You may have been given a diagnosis of a BCC from your GP and are now considering options for removal. Or, you may be concerned about a mole or lesion and would like Dr. McDaid to provide a clinical diagnosis. At the Altruderm clinic we can remove BCCs from below the head and neck via a number of different treatment options. Small facial BCCs may also be managed at the clinic, depending on assessment.
BCCs are unlikely to spread to anywhere else in the body however more treatment options are available the sooner it is addressed.
What do BCCs look like?
BCCs differ widely in appearance but are usually described as a scab that bleeds and does not heal.
During your consultation the doctor will be assessing the clinical features of the lesion to determine if you have a BCC. This includes determining it if has been slow growing; does it present as a plaque or a firm nodule; is it skin coloured, pink or pigmented; does it tend to bleed or ulcerate.
If there is any doubt, a biopsy can be taken and sent to the histology lab for analysis. From there, the best treatment option can be discussed.
BCCs are clinically categorised as superficial, nodular, morphoeic and mixed (basosquamous).
- Superficial BBCs are typically a scaly, red flat mark on the skin.
- Nodular BCCs appear as bumps on the skin, usually shiny or pearly with a smooth surface with blood visible blood vessels. They can be ulcerated and are sometimes referred to as ‘rodent ulcers’.
- Morpheoic BCCs present as waxy plaque on the skin. They can sometimes infiltrate the skin nerves.
- Mixed BCCs (also known as basosquamous) are a combination of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and are potentially more aggressive than other forms of BCC.
I’m so happy with the removal of my mole. It’s allowed me to gain confidence. I feel great and that’s thanks to Dr McDaid and the Altruderm clinic.
How We Remove BCCs
We offer various treatment options depending on the type of BCC you have.
The most common treatment for a BCC is surgery. In this instance, we use local anaesthetic to numb the area and excise the lesion, ensuring sufficient margins of healthy skin are taken. The wound is then closed with sutures. The lesion will be sent to the histopathology lab to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that the treatment is complete.
Superficial BCCs can be treated with:
- Creams, such as imiquimod cream and 5- fluorouracil cream (5-FU). If this treatment is used, you will be given a private prescription and advice on how to use the cream. You will then attend the clinic for a follow-up appointment to assess how well this treatment is working.
- Curettage and cautery, this involves numbing the area with local anaesthetic then gently scraping the BCC away from the skin using a curette (round scalpel) and sealing the skin (cautery) using heat.
BCC Removal Procedure
Consultation
A consultation where a BCC is suspected will typically last up to 30 minutes with Dr. McDaid in our Glasgow clinic. During this time, Dr. McDaid will examine the lesion, using dermoscopy, and advise on next steps.
Dermoscopy is a technique to examine the skin using high strength magnification and lighting. In the Altruderm clinic, we use a digital dermatoscope called Demetra which allows us to take extreme close ups of the lesion for accurate analysis and assessment.
Should you decide that you would like to have the BCC removed Dr. McDaid will advise you of the safest method of removal. During your consultation you can ask Dr. McDaid any questions you may have about your diagnosis or the treatment itself. You will be given a treatment plan including costs for the procedure and an appointment will be made to carry out the procedure in the clinic.
About your treatment
BCC removal is a minor surgical procedure which we carry out in our dedicated Minor Ops Treatment Room.
At Altruderm your comfort is important to us and a local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure your procedure is pain fee. With local anaesthetic you are awake for the procedure and can return to your regular duties upon leaving the clinic.
Before leaving the clinic, you will be given aftercare instructions and any questions you may have will be answered. We will email you a Post Procedure – Wound Care email to review in your own time. You will also be given a telephone number to contact Dr. McDaid directly out-with clinic hours should you have any questions or concerns. We will also schedule a follow-up appointment for you with Dr. McDaid for approximately two to three weeks after your procedure.
Prices
| Consultation | £100 |
| Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal | from £1500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Worry if I Have a BCC?
A BCC is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer that is slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It can be treated easily and once it has been removed it very rarely returns in the same area. If it is left untreated it can become larger and grow deeper under the skin, becoming more problematic.
If I Have Had a BCC Removed, Should I Avoid the Sun?
Yes, you should always protect your skin from the sun as once you have had a BCC you are more likely to develop another skin cancer.
Can a BCC Become a Melanoma?
No, a melanoma is a different form of skin cancer. A BCC is categorised as a non-melanoma skin cancer.
What Are the Aftercare Instructions for Removal of Sebaceous Cysts on the Scrotum?
You will be advised to keep the area dry for two days. Thereafter, you are encouraged to wash your wound. We may issue you with sterile water. You should gently pat wash and pat dry the area daily.
You can resume your normal activities straight away, unless your job is physically demanding. You are also advised to refrain from exercise for a few days post procedure, returning to gentle exercise when you feel able to. Avoid sex and masturbation for approximately 2 weeks to allow enough time for the area to heal. If you require pain relief following the procedure, we would advise paracetamol and to avoid anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.