Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, with over 4 million cases each year worldwide. At Liv Hospital, we are committed to providing world-class healthcare for international patients. Early detection and effective treatment are key to managing BCC.

Seeking medical help early is vital to stop BCC from getting worse. Our team at Liv Hospital uses multidisciplinary approaches and focuses on patient care to treat BCC well.

Key Takeaways

• Early detection is key in treating basal cell carcinoma.
• Liv Hospital offers complete care for international patients.
• Multidisciplinary approaches are used to treat BCC.
• Patient-centered care is a top priority at Liv Hospital.
• Effective treatment options are available for BCC.

What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. Knowing about it is key to treating it well. We’ll look at what it is, how common it is, its symptoms, warning signs, and risk factors.

Definition and Prevalence

Basal cell carcinoma starts in the skin’s basal cell layer. It grows abnormally and can spread if not treated. It’s the most common skin cancer globally, making up about 80% of cases.

Most BCC cases can be cured if caught early. Studies show a 5-year survival rate above 85%. People with fair skin and a history of sun exposure are more likely to get BCC.

Prevalence Rate	Population	5-Year Survival Rate
High	Fair skin, history of sun exposure	>85%
Moderate	Mixed skin tone, occasional sunburn	80-85%
Low	Darker skin tone, minimal sun exposure	>90%

Common Symptoms and Warning Signs

Spotting BCC symptoms early is vital. Common signs include:

• A new growth or sore that doesn’t heal
• A shiny bump or nodule that is pink, red, or white
• A flat, scaly, or crusty patch on the skin
• A scar-like area that is white, yellow, or waxy

These signs can show up anywhere but often appear in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and neck.

Risk Factors for Developing BCC

Several factors increase the risk of getting BCC. These include:

1. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds
2. Fair skin, light hair, and light eye color
3. A history of skin cancer or precancerous lesions
4. A family history of skin cancer
5. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic
6. A weakened immune system

Knowing these risk factors helps prevent BCC. It also encourages seeking medical help for any suspicious skin changes.

Diagnosing Basal Cell Carcinoma

Getting a correct diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is key to effective treatment. It involves a mix of clinical checks and tests.

Visual Examination and Biopsy

A dermatologist starts by looking at the skin. They check the size, shape, and other details of the lesion. If it looks like basal cell carcinoma, a biopsy is done to confirm.

A biopsy takes a small tissue sample from the lesion. There are different types, like shave, punch, and excisional biopsies. The choice depends on the lesion’s size, location, and the doctor’s preference.

When to Seek Medical Attention

See a doctor if your skin changes, like a new growth or sore that won’t heal. Catching basal cell carcinoma early is very important.

• Changes in the size or color of a mole or lesion
• A new growth or sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
• A lesion that bleeds or oozes

If you notice these signs, see a dermatologist right away. Early action can prevent serious problems and improve your chances of recovery.

Staging and Classification of BCC

After diagnosing basal cell carcinoma, the next step is to find out its stage and type. This involves checking the tumor’s size, if it has spread to lymph nodes, and if it has reached other parts of the body.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system is often used. It helps decide the best treatment and gives insight into the prognosis.

Stage	Description
I	The tumor is small and limited to the skin
II	The tumor is larger or has more aggressive features
III	The cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
IV	The cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body

Knowing the stage and type of basal cell carcinoma is vital for choosing the right treatment. Accurate staging helps ensure patients get the best care for their condition.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery: The Gold Standard Basal Cell Treatment

Mohs micrographic surgery is the top choice for treating basal cell carcinoma, like on the face. It’s known for its high success rate and ability to save healthy tissue.

How Mohs Surgery Works

Mohs surgery removes cancerous tissue layer by layer. Each layer is checked under a microscope until all cancer is gone. This method removes cancer completely while keeping healthy tissue.

Key steps in the Mohs surgery process include:

• Removal of the visible tumor along with a thin layer of surrounding tissue.
• Microscopic examination of the removed tissue to check for cancer cells.
• If cancer cells are found, another layer of tissue is removed and examined.
• This process continues until no cancer cells are found.

99% Cure Rate for Facial and High-Risk BCC

Mohs surgery has a high success rate, up to 99%, for facial and high-risk basal cell carcinomas. This makes it a top choice for these tough cases.

Treatment Outcome	Cure Rate
Facial BCC	Up to 99%
High-Risk BCC	Up to 99%

Recovery and Scarring Expectations

Mohs surgery is very effective but it’s important to know what to expect during recovery. The surgery usually leaves little to no scarring, and the wound is closed the same day.

Recovery tips include:

• Keeping the wound clean and dry.
• Avoiding strenuous activities for a few days.
• Following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care.

Choosing Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma offers a highly effective treatment. It has a low risk of coming back and looks good too.

Excisional and Standard Surgical Treatments

Many patients choose surgical treatments to remove basal cell carcinoma. These methods are effective and widely used. They are best for tumors at high risk of coming back or in sensitive areas.

Surgical Excision Procedure

Surgical excision removes the tumor and some healthy tissue around it. This ensures all cancer cells are gone. It’s very effective, with cure rates of 90% to 95% for primary BCC tumors.

The area is numbed with local anesthesia during the procedure. The surgeon then removes the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue. The tissue is checked to make sure there are no cancer cells left.

Key Steps in Surgical Excision:

• Tumor localization and marking
• Administration of local anesthesia
• Surgical removal of the tumor with margins
• Histopathological examination of the removed tissue

Curettage and Electrodesiccation

Curettage and electrodesiccation is good for superficial tumors. It involves scraping away the tumor and then using electrodesiccation to kill any remaining cells.

This process is done several times to make sure the tumor is fully removed. Electrodesiccation uses heat to destroy the remaining cells, lowering the chance of the tumor coming back.

“Curettage and electrodesiccation is a valuable treatment option for superficial BCC, with a high cure rate and minimal scarring.” –  Dermatological Surgeon

Treatment Method	Cure Rate	Ideal Tumor Type
Surgical Excision	90-95%	Primary BCC, including nodular and morpheaform types
Curettage and Electrodesiccation	85-90%	Superficial BCC

Ideal Candidates for Surgical Options

Patients with well-defined, small BCC tumors in areas where surgery is possible are good candidates. Those with a history of BCC or high-risk tumors also benefit from these treatments.

We look at each patient’s tumor size, location, and health to choose the best surgical treatment.

Topical Medications for Superficial BCC Treatment

Topical treatments are now a good option for managing superficial BCC. They offer a choice other than surgery. These treatments work well for patients with small lesions or those who can’t have surgery.

Imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara)

Imiquimod is a cream that boosts your body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. You apply it directly to the affected area for weeks. It’s shown to clear superficial BCC well, making it a favorite among dermatologists.

Key benefits of imiquimod include:

• Non-invasive treatment option
• High clearance rates for superficial BCC
• Ability to treat larger areas

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)

5-Fluorouracil is a cream used to treat superficial BCC. It stops abnormal cells from growing. You apply it to the affected area for weeks.

Advantages of 5-FU include:

• Effective for superficial BCC
• Well-tolerated by most patients
• Can be used with other treatments

Treatment Duration and Success Rates

The time needed for topical treatments varies. It can be weeks to months. Imiquimod has shown success rates of 80-90% in some studies.

Factors influencing treatment success include:

• Severity and size of the lesion
• Patient compliance with treatment regimen
• Individual response to the medication

It’s best to talk to a dermatologist about the right topical treatment for superficial BCC. They can also discuss possible side effects and what to expect.

Photodynamic Therapy for Basal Skin Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new way to treat basal cell carcinoma. It targets cancer cells without harming the healthy tissue around them. This non-invasive method uses a special agent and light to kill cancer cells.

The PDT Procedure Step by Step

The PDT process starts with applying a photosensitizing agent to the affected area. This agent makes cancer cells light-sensitive. After a few hours, the area is treated with light, usually from a laser or LED.

The light turns the agent into oxygen that kills the cancer cells.

Key Steps in PDT:

• Application of the photosensitizing agent
• Waiting period for the agent to be absorbed
• Exposure to specific wavelength light
• Activation of the agent to destroy cancer cells

Effectiveness for Superficial and Nodular BCC

PDT works well for treating superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma. It has shown high success rates in these cases. This makes PDT a great option for treating large or multiple lesions in one go.

PDT is non-invasive, causes little scarring, and is good for sensitive areas.

Advantages and Limitations

PDT has many benefits, like few side effects and good results for the skin. But, it has some downsides. It works best for thin, superficial BCCs. Thicker tumors might not respond as well. Also, PDT might need more than one session, and there’s a chance for the cancer to come back.

Limitations to Consider:

• Effectiveness varies with BCC type and thickness
• Potential need for multiple treatment sessions
• Risk of recurrence

Cryotherapy: Freezing Basal Cell Carcinoma

Cryotherapy, or cryosurgery, freezes basal cell carcinoma to kill cancer cells. It’s good for some types of basal cell carcinoma. It’s also less invasive than other surgeries.

Destroying Cancer Cells through Freezing

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the cancer. The cold kills the cancer cells.  says, “The freezing process damages cells, causing them to die.”

This method is effective because it targets the cancer without harming much of the healthy tissue. The procedure is quick and done in a clinic, not in the hospital.

Ideal Candidates for Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is best for patients with small, superficial basal cell carcinoma. It’s also good for those who don’t want surgery or can’t have it due to health issues. We decide if cryotherapy is right for each patient based on their situation.

Good candidates have small, superficial lesions. Their overall health also matters. For example, it’s often suggested for small, superficial lesions.

Recovery and Possible Side Effects

After cryotherapy, the area might blister, swell, or turn red. These effects usually go away in a few weeks. Sometimes, there might be changes in skin color, but this is rare.

We tell patients how to care for the area after treatment. This includes keeping it clean and dry and avoiding the sun. This helps prevent complications and ensures the best results.

Cryotherapy is a good option for treating basal cell carcinoma. It’s effective and minimally invasive. Understanding cryotherapy helps patients make better choices for their care.

Radiation Therapy for Advanced Cases

For advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma, radiation therapy is a good option. Dealing with advanced BCC is tough. It’s important to look at all treatment options.

When Radiation Is Recommended

Radiation therapy is often suggested for big BCC tumors. This is when surgery is hard or not possible. It’s also for those who can’t have surgery because of health issues.

Key scenarios where radiation therapy is recommended include:

• Large tumors that are difficult to remove surgically
• Tumors located in cosmetically sensitive or critical areas
• Patients with recurrent BCC
• Those who cannot undergo surgery due to medical conditions

The Treatment Process and Timeline

The radiation therapy for BCC takes several sessions over a few weeks. Each session is short. But, the total time depends on the tumor and the person.

The treatment process generally includes:

1. Initial consultation to determine the suitability of radiation therapy
2. Planning session to map out the treatment area
3. Multiple radiation therapy sessions
4. Follow-up appointments to monitor progress and manage side effects

Managing Side Effects

Radiation therapy works well but has side effects. These include tiredness, skin issues, and hair loss. We help patients deal with these effects for the best results.

Strategies for managing side effects include:

• Topical creams to soothe skin irritation
• Advice on managing fatigue
• Counseling on skin care during and after treatment

Knowing about the treatment and side effects helps patients make informed choices. We aim to support patients fully during radiation therapy.

Conclusion: Prognosis and Curability of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Most basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases can be cured if caught early. We talked about many effective treatments. These include Mohs surgery, excision, topical meds, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, and radiation.

The outlook for BCC is good if treated quickly. Knowing how to treat BCC is key to a good outcome. The cure rate depends on the tumor’s stage, location, and treatment choice.

Early detection and treatment greatly boost cure chances. We stress the need for regular skin checks and seeing a doctor for any unusual spots. This way, patients can get the best treatment and have a good prognosis.

Is basal cell cancer curable? Yes, with the right treatment, BCC can be cured. We aim to give top-notch healthcare to all patients, including those from abroad. We ensure they get the best care for their condition.

References

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review on Contemporary Diagnosis and Management. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9681969/

Keys Dermatology. The Top Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options. https://www.keysdermatology.com/the-top-basal-cell-carcinoma-treatment-options/