Last Updated on November 3, 2025 by mcelik
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.
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.
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% |
Spotting BCC symptoms early is vital. Common signs include:
These signs can show up anywhere but often appear in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and neck.
Several factors increase the risk of getting BCC. These include:
Knowing these risk factors helps prevent BCC. It also encourages seeking medical help for any suspicious skin changes.
Getting a correct diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is key to effective treatment. It involves a mix of clinical checks and tests.
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.
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.
If you notice these signs, see a dermatologist right away. Early action can prevent serious problems and improve your chances of recovery.
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 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.
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:
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% |
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:
Choosing Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma offers a highly effective treatment. It has a low risk of coming back and looks good too.
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 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:
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 |
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 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 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:
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:
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:
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 (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 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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
Knowing about the treatment and side effects helps patients make informed choices. We aim to support patients fully during radiation therapy.
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.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
The treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies. It depends on the tumor’s size, location, and type. It also depends on the patient’s health. We offer many treatments, like Mohs surgery and surgical excision.
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/