Basal cell carcinomas: best treatment for skin cancer

Autore: Professor Andrew Wright
Pubblicato:
Editor: Cameron Gibson-Watt

Basal cell carcinomas are by far the commonest form of skin cancer, but they are also one of the least harmful forms.


In his latest article, Professor Andrew Leslie Wright, a consultant dermatologist in Bradford and Leeds, talks to us about this form of skin cancer, what causes it and the treatments options available for you if you have had a recent diagnosis.

 

 

What causes basal cell carcinomas?

Basal cell carcinomas, also known as basal cell skin cancer, are predominantly caused by ultraviolet exposure - the more exposure you have to ultraviolet light the more likely you are to get a lesion. They are, therefore, most common in people who are fair-skinnedwork outdoors and do a lot of outdoor activities or regularly use sunbeds.

 

The risk of developing one increases as you get older. They most commonly appear on exposed areas, particularly the head and neck but can appear on almost any body site. 

 

How fast do basal cell carcinomas spread?

They grow quite slowly, probably by less than 1 mm per year. They rarely, if ever, spread to other parts of the body (though those at risk can develop multiple lesions). They can, if left untreated, continue to grow and reach the size of several centimetres.

 

Although not considered serious lesions, the areas they most commonly occur - that is the head and neck - means that treatment delay can, particularly if they appear around the eyes or nose area, mean that their surgical removal may be complex and difficult. It is therefore important to recognise them at an early stage. Initially, lesions can have a very subtle appearance starting as a small blemish or spot but they continue to grow steadily and change.

 

What does basal cell carcinoma look like?

Basal cell skin cancer appears first as a lesion. The typical lesions are red, shiny and domed but lesions may be flat and sometimes appear like patches of eczema. The lesions may crust or bleed and such signs are important pointers to seek advice from a healthcare professional. 


 

How is basal cell skin cancer treated?

If a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is considered then referral to a specialist is usually recommended. If the diagnosis is confirmed, either a small biopsy or full removal of the lesion will be planned. For larger lesions, there are a variety of treatments which include:

 

  • surgical removal
  • treatment with various creams
  • a form of light therapy (photodynamic therapy)
  • scraping, burning or freezing lesions
  • sometimes, the use of X-ray treatment

 

For larger lesions, particularly those in awkward areas on the head and neck sometimes a form of surgery called Mohs surgery is performed.

 

What does Mohs surgery involve?

This is a procedure where an area of skin is removed and the specimen immediately examined. If the lesion hasn’t been fully removed then further surgery is done immediately. This process is repeated until the lesion is considered cleared and the defect is then repaired.

 

This form of treatment is curative and is particularly performed for lesions in difficult areas. The treatment can be done under local anaesthetic and is usually performed in specialist centres as a single session as an outpatient.

 

What is the takeaway message?

Prevention is better than treatment and taking care in the sun, protective clothing and sunblock are well recognised to significantly reduce the chances of developing basal cell skin cancer.

 

If you have noticed any of the symptoms mentioned in this article or you are worried about any other changes to your skin, you can make an appointment with Professor Andrew Leslie through his Top Doctors profile.

*Tradotto con Google Translator. Preghiamo ci scusi per ogni imperfezione

Professor Andrew Wright
Dermatologia

Il professor Andrew Leslie Wright è un dermatologo consulente a Bradford e Leeds specializzato in eczema , psoriasi , cancro della pelle e allergie cutanee .

Dopo aver deciso di specializzarsi in dermatologia, il professor Wright ha acquisito quanta più esperienza medica possibile lavorando in un'unità di malattie infettive, in medicina toracica, cardiologia ed endocrinologia. Ha trascorso sei mesi lavorando in un'unità di cura coronarica e sei mesi in un dipartimento di incidenti dove ha acquisito esperienza con una vasta gamma di procedure pratiche.

Il professor Wright ha trascorso sei mesi nel dipartimento di dermatologia di Rupert Hallam, Sheffield, nell'ambito di una rotazione medica. Ha quindi trascorso 20 mesi nel Dipartimento di Dermatologia dell'Università, Royal Infirmary, Edimburgo.

Il professor Wright è impegnato a insegnare agli studenti universitari di medicina sia nella clinica ambulatoriale sia nei corsi di lezioni formali. Supervisiona gli studenti facendo speciali moduli di studio ed esamina gli studenti di medicina dell'Università di Leeds. È professore onorario ospite alla Bradford University e membro del Center for Skin Sciences della Bradford University.

È apparso in televisione, sia dal vivo che registrato, in numerose occasioni e ha eseguito numerose interviste radiofoniche, in particolare per quanto riguarda la consapevolezza del sole e il cancro della pelle. Di recente ha contribuito a due episodi del programma Channel 4 Embarrassing Bodies.

Il professor Wright è membro di diverse società professionali, tra cui la British Association of Dermatologists, la European Contact Dermatitis Society, la British Society for Investigative Dermatology e la British Hair and Nail Society.

*Tradotto con Google Translator. Preghiamo ci scusi per ogni imperfezione

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