Skin Cancer Education
Basal Cell Carcinoma.
The most common form of skin cancer, and the most treatable when caught early.
Overview
What is basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in Australia, with approximately 750,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It develops in the basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis that produce new skin cells as old ones die off.
BCC typically grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep into surrounding tissue, damaging nerves, blood vessels, and bone. This is why early detection and treatment are so important.
BCC has an excellent prognosis when treated early, with cure rates exceeding 95% for most cases. At Helios Skin Clinic, Dr Ranjini uses advanced dermoscopy to detect BCCs at the earliest possible stage, when they are simplest to treat.
Signs & symptoms
What to look for.
BCC can present in several different ways. Look out for any of the following on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back.
A pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels.
A flat, flesh-coloured or light brown scar-like lesion.
A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and then returns.
A pink growth with a raised border and crusted centre.
A shiny, translucent nodule, clear, pink, or red.
Risk factors
Who is most at risk.
UV Exposure
Cumulative lifetime sun exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence.
Fair Skin
Light skin that freckles or burns easily, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair.
Age
Most common in adults over 50, though increasingly diagnosed in younger Australians.
History of Sunburn
Multiple blistering sunburns, particularly in early life, significantly increase risk.
Immunosuppression
Organ transplant recipients and those on immune-suppressing medications face higher risk.
Previous Skin Cancer
Having had one BCC significantly increases the likelihood of developing another.
Treatment
Treatment at our clinic.
Dr Ranjini treats basal cell carcinoma using evidence-based approaches, tailored to the size, location, and subtype of the BCC.
Excisional surgery
The most common treatment. The BCC is surgically removed with a margin of healthy tissue and sent for pathology to confirm clear margins.
Cryotherapy
For small, superficial BCCs, targeted freezing with liquid nitrogen can be an effective non-surgical option.
Curettage & cautery
Suitable for small, low-risk BCCs. The cancer is scraped away and the wound sealed with heat.
For complex cases on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the nose or eyelids, Dr Ranjini may refer to a specialist for Mohs micrographic surgery, which offers the highest cure rate while preserving maximum healthy tissue.
When to see a doctor
Don’t wait for a spot to become a problem.
See a doctor promptly if you notice a new growth on your skin, a sore that won’t heal, or any change in an existing spot. BCCs are almost always curable when detected early.
At Helios Skin Clinic, we can usually see new patients within a week. No referral is needed.
When was your last skin check?
Most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early. If you haven't had a professional skin check in the past 12 months, now is the time to act.
No referral needed / most patients seen within a week