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Understanding the various Treatment and Procedures for basal cell carcinoma is essential for optimal outcomes, especially for patients traveling internationally for care. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for roughly 80% of all skin malignancies worldwide. While BCC rarely spreads, early and appropriate intervention can prevent extensive tissue loss and cosmetic disfigurement.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic options available at Liv Hospital, from classic surgical excision to advanced targeted therapies. It is designed for international patients seeking clear, evidence‑based information to make informed decisions about their care journey. Whether you are exploring minimally invasive procedures or looking for detailed post‑treatment guidance, the following sections will help you navigate the full spectrum of treatment and procedures offered by our multidisciplinary team.
Liv Hospital’s JCI‑accredited dermatology department combines state‑of‑the‑art technology with a patient‑centered approach, ensuring that every step—from diagnosis to recovery—is coordinated with the highest standards of safety and comfort.
Basal cell carcinoma originates in the basal cells of the epidermis, typically developing in sun‑exposed areas such as the face, neck, and arms. The disease progresses slowly, but untreated lesions can grow deeply, causing ulceration or bone involvement. Recognizing the type and size of the tumor guides the selection of appropriate treatment and procedures.
There are three primary categories of management:
Choosing the right approach depends on factors such as tumor depth, location, patient health status, and personal preferences. At Liv Hospital, a multidisciplinary tumor board reviews each case to tailor a plan that balances efficacy with cosmetic outcomes.
Surgery remains the most reliable method to eradicate BCC, delivering cure rates exceeding 95% when performed by experienced surgeons. Liv Hospital offers three principal surgical techniques, each suited to specific clinical scenarios.
Standard excision involves removing the tumor with a predetermined margin of healthy tissue, followed by primary closure or reconstruction. Mohs surgery is a stepwise technique where the surgeon removes thin layers and examines them microscopically in real time, ensuring complete clearance while sparing healthy skin. This method is especially valuable for facial BCCs where cosmetic preservation is paramount.
For patients who prefer a less invasive approach or have lesions that are thin and superficial, curettage and electrodesiccation can be performed in an outpatient setting. While the cure rate is slightly lower, the procedure is rapid, leaves minimal scarring, and requires no suturing.When surgery is contraindicated—due to patient comorbidities, anticoagulation therapy, or lesion location—non‑surgical treatment and procedures provide effective alternatives.
External beam radiation delivers focused high‑energy photons to the tumor site, typically in 5‑15 fractions. It is most useful for patients who cannot tolerate anesthesia or for lesions on the ear, nose, or lip where surgical margins would be challenging.
Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the tumor, inducing rapid freezing and subsequent necrosis. Cryotherapy is ideal for small, superficial BCCs and can be performed in a single office visit. Healing is usually complete within 2‑3 weeks, though pigment changes may occur.
PDT combines a photosensitizing agent (often aminolevulinic acid) with a specific wavelength of light to destroy cancer cells. This approach is especially effective for superficial BCCs on the trunk or extremities, offering excellent cosmetic results with minimal downtime.
Each non‑surgical option carries specific considerations regarding efficacy, side‑effects, and cosmetic outcomes. At Liv Hospital, a board‑certified dermatologist evaluates the lesion characteristics and patient preferences to recommend the most suitable modality.
Advanced or recurrent basal cell carcinomas that are unsuitable for local therapies may require systemic treatment and procedures. Recent advances have introduced targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors that specifically address the molecular pathways driving BCC growth.
Systemic therapy requires careful monitoring for side effects such as muscle cramps, dysgeusia, alopecia, and immune‑related adverse events. Liv Hospital’s oncology pharmacists and nursing team provide comprehensive education, dose adjustments, and supportive care to ensure safety throughout the treatment course.
Successful management of basal cell carcinoma extends beyond the immediate treatment and procedures. Structured after‑care minimizes recurrence risk and promotes optimal healing.
Patients are typically scheduled for a follow‑up skin examination at 3, 6, and 12 months post‑treatment, then annually thereafter. During these visits, clinicians assess the surgical site, evaluate for new lesions, and reinforce sun‑protective behaviors.
For facial surgeries, Liv Hospital offers reconstructive options such as local flaps, skin grafts, or laser resurfacing to improve aesthetic outcomes. Physical therapy may be recommended for lesions near joints to preserve range of motion.
Adherence to the follow‑up schedule and lifestyle modifications—regular skin self‑exams, avoidance of peak UV exposure, and use of protective clothing—are critical components of a comprehensive care plan.
International patients often have unique logistical needs. Liv Hospital’s dedicated International Patient Services team streamlines every step, ensuring a smooth transition from home country to the treatment facility.
By addressing these practical concerns, Liv Hospital allows patients to focus on their health while we handle the details. Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable and stress‑free as possible, from the moment you arrive in Istanbul to the day you return home fully recovered.
Liv Hospital is a JCI‑accredited, internationally recognized center that combines cutting‑edge technology with a patient‑first philosophy. Our dermatology department boasts board‑certified specialists, state‑of‑the‑art laser and imaging equipment, and a multidisciplinary team experienced in managing complex skin cancers. International patients benefit from comprehensive support services, including visa assistance, multilingual staff, and personalized care pathways, ensuring a seamless and high‑quality treatment experience.
Ready to take the next step toward confident, effective care? Contact Liv Hospital today to schedule your personalized consultation and discover how our expert team can guide you through every stage of treatment and procedures.
Liv Hospital Ulus
Asst. Prof. MD. Ayşe Deniz Akkaya
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Asst. Prof. MD. Nazlı Caf
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Prof. MD. İlteriş Oğuz
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Ulus
Spec. MD. Ömer Gezdur
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Assoc. Prof. MD. Ece Altun
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Prof. MD. Sevilay Oğuz Kılıç
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Spec. MD. Marziyeh Javadpour
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Vadistanbul
Spec. MD. Meryem Ayşit
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Assoc. Prof. MD. Nadir Göksügür
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Spec. MD. Esengül Kaya
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Spec. MD. Vedat Ertunç
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir
Spec. MD. Özlem İpek
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Spec. MD. Betül Kızılkan
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Topkapı
Spec. MD. Gizem Gökçedağ Ünsal
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Asst. Prof. MD. Caner Demircan
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Spec. MD. Aylin Gözübüyükoğulları
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Spec. MD. Elçin Akdaş
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Ankara
Spec. MD. Vahid Ahmadi
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Gaziantep
Spec. MD. Hatice Kübra Çakı
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Samsun
Asst. Prof. MD. Gül Şekerlisoy Tatar
Dermatology
Liv Hospital Samsun
Spec. MD. Ayşe İdil Baş
Dermatology
Liv Bona Dea Hospital Bakü
Spec. MD. İRFAN QEHREMANOV
Dermatology
Asst. Prof. MD. A. Deniz Akkaya
Dermatology
MD. Gül Şekerlisoy Tatar
Dermatology
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Standard excision removes the tumor with a predefined margin of healthy tissue and is suitable for small to medium low‑risk lesions. Mohs micrographic surgery is a stepwise technique that examines each layer under a microscope, offering the highest cure rates (98‑99%) and maximal tissue preservation, ideal for high‑risk facial areas. Curettage and electrodesiccation (C&E) is a quick, cost‑effective outpatient procedure for superficial, well‑demarcated lesions, with cure rates around 85‑90% and minimal scarring.
Patients who cannot tolerate anesthesia, have comorbidities, or have lesions on the ear, nose, or lip where surgical margins would be difficult may benefit from radiation therapy, cryotherapy, or photodynamic therapy (PDT). Radiation delivers focused photons over several sessions, cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the tumor, and PDT combines a photosensitizer with light to destroy superficial cancer cells, each offering good cosmetic outcomes with varying efficacy.
Hedgehog pathway inhibitors such as vismodegib and sonidegib block the signaling that drives BCC growth and are approved for locally advanced or metastatic disease. Immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab target PD‑1 and have shown activity in tumors that progress after Hedgehog inhibition. In selected cases, clinicians may combine these agents, often within clinical trials, to improve response rates, but careful monitoring for side effects is essential.
The International Patient Services team arranges consultations, diagnostic tests, and procedure dates, handles airport transfers, hotel bookings, and short‑term medical stays, offers multilingual interpreters for clear communication, creates detailed itineraries with pre‑ and post‑procedure instructions, and assists with insurance navigation and cost estimates, ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to discharge.
After the initial healing phase, Liv Hospital schedules skin examinations at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess the surgical site, detect new lesions, and reinforce sun‑protective behaviors. Annual visits continue long‑term to monitor for recurrence. Patients are also instructed on wound care, signs of infection, and the use of sunscreen once the area has healed.
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