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Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Saadet Demir
At Liv Hospital, we specialize in providing expert, patient-centered care for those with basal cell carcinoma. This is the most common skin cancer. Our skilled surgical teams follow international standards to guide patients through each step of the removal process.
Advancements in medical treatments have greatly improved results for skin cancer removal. For example, the US FDA approved cemiplimab (Libtayo) to prevent certain skin cancers from coming back after surgery and radiation. We focus on delivering top-notch healthcare with full international patient support. This ensures our patients get the best care possible.
It’s important for patients to understand basal cell carcinoma to make good treatment choices. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. Its treatment depends on its type, size, and where it is on the body.
Basal cell carcinoma starts in the basal cell layer of the skin. It happens when abnormal cells build up and can spread to other tissues if not treated. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can damage the area around it if not treated.
The exact reason for basal cell carcinoma is not known. But, it’s linked to genetics and environmental factors. Long-term exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds is a big risk. Other factors include fair skin, sunburns, and a family history of skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma can show up in different ways. It’s key to know the common signs and symptoms. These include a new growth or sore, a shiny bump, or a pinkish patch on the skin. Regular skin checks are vital for early detection, as it’s highly treatable when caught early.
The journey to remove basal skin cancer starts with a precise diagnosis and pre-surgical check-up. We know this first step is key to finding the best treatment for each patient.
A biopsy is the main tool for diagnosing basal cell carcinoma. A sample of the suspicious skin is taken and checked under a microscope for cancer cells. We use the latest diagnostic methods for accurate results.
“A biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing skin cancers, providing a definitive diagnosis that guides our treatment decisions.” The biopsy type can change based on the lesion’s size and location. It could be a shave, punch, or excisional biopsy.
After confirming the diagnosis, we figure out how big and deep the basal cell carcinoma is. We look at the tumor’s size and if it has spread. Tests like ultrasound or MRI help us get more details.
Knowing how big and deep the cancer is is vital for planning surgery. It helps us know how much tissue to remove and what challenges we might face.
The location and size of the basal cell carcinoma help decide the best treatment. We look at these factors to choose between excision, Mohs surgery, or other treatments.
For example, tumors in sensitive areas or those that are big or have come back might need Mohs surgery. Our aim is to remove the cancer fully while keeping as much normal tissue as we can.
“The choice of treatment is highly individualized, taking into account the unique characteristics of each patient’s basal cell carcinoma.” By carefully looking at the diagnosis and pre-surgical check-up, we create a treatment plan. This plan aims to be effective while also considering the patient’s appearance and function.
Preparing for basal skin cancer removal is a big step. It involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. These steps help make sure you get the best results.
We start by talking about your medical history. This includes any surgeries, allergies, or health conditions you’ve had. This info helps us decide the best way to remove your basal skin cancer.
Some medications can affect the surgery or how you heal. We ask you to tell us about all your medications. This includes blood thinners, diabetes medications, and any other drugs you take.
Key medication adjustments may include:
On the day of your surgery, we’ll help you get ready. We want you to be comfortable and know what’s happening. Here’s what you can expect:
Pre-procedure preparations include:
By understanding these steps and working closely with our medical team, you can feel more confident and prepared for your basal skin cancer removal procedure.
Surgical excision is the top choice for removing basal cell carcinoma. It has a high success rate. At Liv Hospital, we’ve perfected this method for our patients.
Standard excision removes the basal cell carcinoma and some healthy tissue around it. This ensures all cancer cells are gone.
The margin size depends on the tumor’s size and location. For small, low-risk tumors, 2-5 mm is enough. But, larger or aggressive tumors need wider margins.
The surgery is done under local anesthesia. Here’s what happens:
Surgical excision works well for basal cell carcinoma. Cure rates are 90% to 95% for primary tumors. Healing takes a few weeks. Patients get wound care advice and follow-up appointments.
| Tumor Size | Recommended Margin | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 cm | 2-3 mm | 95% |
| 1-2 cm | 3-5 mm | 92% |
| More than 2 cm | 5 mm or more | 90% |
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise method for removing complex basal cell carcinoma. It’s great for tumors in sensitive or cosmetically critical areas, like the face.
Mohs surgery is suggested for large, aggressive basal cell carcinomas. It’s also for tumors in areas where keeping tissue is key. This includes cancers that have come back after other treatments.
Key indications for Mohs surgery include:
The Mohs surgery process removes cancerous tissue layer by layer. Each layer is checked under a microscope to make sure all cancer is gone. This keeps going until no cancer is found.
Mohs surgery is great for face tumors. It has high cure rates and minimal tissue loss. This method preserves healthy tissue, which is vital for keeping the face looking and working right.
Mohs surgery is good at saving tissue while removing all cancer. This is because it carefully checks the tumor margins during the surgery.
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| High Cure Rates | Mohs surgery offers cure rates of up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinomas. |
| Tissue Conservation | The layer-by-layer removal process ensures minimal loss of healthy tissue. |
| Cosmetic Outcomes | Precise removal techniques help maintain the natural appearance of the treated area. |
For some cases of basal skin cancer, there are effective alternative treatments. These methods can be less complicated than surgery. They are good for certain types of basal cell carcinoma or specific situations.
This method uses a curette to remove the tumor and then an electric current to kill any left-over cancer cells. It’s often used for small, surface basal cell carcinomas.
It’s simple and can be done under local anesthesia. But, it’s not for all basal cell carcinomas, mainly not for aggressive or deep ones.
Cryosurgery freezes cancer cells with liquid nitrogen, killing them. It’s good for surface basal cell carcinomas because it causes little scarring and heals fast.
It’s less invasive than surgery and good for surface lesions. But, it works best if the tumor’s depth and size are known accurately.
Laser therapy uses intense light to kill cancer cells. It’s useful for lesions in areas that are important for looks.
Laser therapy can save healthy tissue around the tumor. But, its success depends on the tumor’s type and depth.
Topical treatments like imiquimod cream or 5-fluorouracil are for surface basal cell carcinomas. They boost the immune system or stop cancer cells from growing.
Topical treatments work well for surface lesions. But, they’re not for deep tumors. It’s important for the treatment to succeed that the tumor is diagnosed correctly and the patient follows the treatment plan.
| Treatment Method | Indications | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curettage and Electrodessication | Small, superficial BCCs | Simple, quick procedure | Not suitable for aggressive or deep tumors |
| Cryosurgery | Superficial BCCs | Minimal scarring, quick recovery | Dependent on accurate tumor assessment |
| Laser Therapy | BCCs in cosmetically sensitive areas | Precise, preserves healthy tissue | Effectiveness varies with tumor type and depth |
| Topical Treatments | Superficial BCCs | Non-invasive, stimulates immune response | Not suitable for invasive tumors, requires patient compliance |
Removing basal cell carcinoma depends on where the tumor is on the body. Each body part has its own skin type and structure. This means we need different strategies for removal and to look good afterward.
The face is a common spot for basal cell carcinoma. We plan carefully to remove it well and keep it looking good. Mohs micrographic surgery is often used here because it works well and saves more skin.
We look at the tumor’s size, where it is, and how deep it is. This helps us decide the best way to remove it and how to fix it afterward.
When the tumor is on the scalp, ear, or neck, we have to think about the special features of these areas. The scalp needs special care because of its thick hair. The ear’s cartilage is important, so we’re careful there. The neck is tricky because we need to remove the tumor but also keep important structures.
For tumors on the trunk and limbs, we usually use standard removal methods. But the size, depth, and the patient’s health also matter. If the tumor is big or complex, we might use reconstructive surgery to get the best results.
Areas like the eyes, nose, and mouth are high-risk because of their complex anatomy. They can affect how we look and function. We use advanced methods, like Mohs surgery, to remove the tumor carefully and save the surrounding skin.
By customizing our treatment based on the tumor’s location and characteristics, we get the best results. This means removing the cancer effectively and keeping the area looking good.
After basal skin cancer removal, it’s important to manage complications and ensure a smooth recovery. This procedure is generally safe, but there are risks to be aware of. Knowing these can help you take the right steps to care for yourself and avoid complications.
Surgical complications are rare but can happen. These might include infection, bleeding, scarring, and nerve damage. It’s vital to understand these risks and how we work to prevent them.
“Understanding possible complications is key to a successful recovery.” We take all precautions to reduce risks. Our team is committed to giving you the best care during your recovery.
Proper wound care is essential for preventing infection and aiding in healing. We give you detailed instructions on how to care for your wound. This includes keeping it clean and dry, using topical ointments, and watching for signs of infection.
By following these steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery.
Effective pain management is key during recovery. We use a variety of methods to manage pain, including medication, cold compresses, and elevating the affected area.
“Pain management is a top priority, ensuring that patients remain comfortable throughout the recovery process.” Our team works with you to create a personalized pain management plan.
Scar management is a concern for many after basal skin cancer removal. We discuss options to reduce scar appearance, such as topical treatments, laser therapy, and surgical revision if needed.
We aim to remove the cancer effectively and achieve the best cosmetic outcome. We listen to your cosmetic concerns and work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.
Removing basal skin cancer needs a detailed plan. At Liv Hospital, we use different treatments to get the best results. This includes surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, and other methods for basal cell carcinoma.
Surgical excision is often the first choice. It has high success rates and a simple recovery. For tougher cases, like those on the face, Mohs surgery is key. It removes layers one by one.
We are committed to top-notch healthcare and support for international patients. Choosing the right treatment helps avoid complications. This ensures the best care for our patients.
Our goal is to give outstanding results for basal skin cancer patients. We support them from the first visit to aftercare. Our team is here to help every step of the way.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. It looks like a small, shiny bump or a pink patch. Doctors usually diagnose it with a biopsy, where they take a sample for a microscope check.
There are many ways to remove BCC, like surgery or laser therapy. The choice depends on the cancer’s size, location, and how deep it is. It also depends on the patient’s health.
Surgical excision means removing the tumor and some healthy tissue around it. This is done under local anesthesia. Then, the doctor closes the wound with stitches.
Mohs surgery removes the tumor layer by layer. Each layer is checked under a microscope until no cancer is found. It’s used for complex cases, like facial BCC, to save tissue and ensure clear margins.
The cut depth for squamous cell carcinoma depends on the cancer’s thickness and spread. The surgeon aims to remove the cancer with healthy tissue around it. The exact depth varies by case.
Possible complications include wound infection, scarring, bleeding, and nerve damage. Proper care and follow-up with the doctor can help avoid these issues.
After removal, the wound needs to be kept clean and dry. Use ointments or creams as directed and cover it with a bandage. The doctor will give specific instructions.
Surgical excision is very effective, with cure rates between 90% and 95% for primary tumors. Success depends on the cancer’s size, location, and depth, and the patient’s health.
Yes, alternatives include curettage, cryosurgery, laser therapy, and topical treatments. These might be good for small or superficial tumors.
Scar management uses creams, gels, silicone, massage, and sun protection. The goal is to make the scar less noticeable and help it heal well.
