Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Hawke’s Bay
Specialist Diagnosis and Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, is the most common form of skin cancer.
It usually develops on areas of skin that receive frequent sun exposure, including the face, head, neck, ears and shoulders. BCCs are generally slow-growing and are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body, but they can damage surrounding skin and tissue if left untreated.
At Dermatology Hawke’s Bay, our specialist dermatologist led team diagnose basal cell carcinoma and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the type, size, depth and location of the skin cancer.
What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
Basal cell carcinoma can appear in several different ways and may be mistaken for a sore, scar, rash or harmless skin growth.
Signs of basal cell carcinoma can include:
– A pearly, shiny or translucent bump
– A pink, red or skin-coloured patch
– A sore that does not heal
– A spot that repeatedly bleeds, crusts or scabs
– A flat area that looks similar to a scar
– A raised growth with visible blood vessels
– A slowly enlarging lesion
BCC can vary considerably between patients.
Any new, changing or non-healing spot should be assessed
by a specialist dermatologist.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options
Treatment for basal cell carcinoma depends on the type, size, depth and location of the cancer, as well as whether it has been treated before.
At Dermatology Hawke’s Bay, treatment options include Mohs micrographic surgery, standard excisional surgery, cryosurgery and topical immunotherapy. Your dermatologist will assess the lesion and recommend the most appropriate option for the type of BCC that you have.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Dermatology Hawke’s Bay is the region’s only provider of world-leading ‘gold standard’ Mohs micrographic surgery, ensuring complete removal of a skin cancer with minimal removal of healthy tissue, thereby minimising scarring.
Mohs surgery removes the skin cancer layer by layer, with each layer examined under a microscope during the procedure. This allows the surgeon to identify and remove cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
It may be recommended for basal cell carcinomas in high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas, including the face, nose, ears and eyelids, or for cancers that have returned following previous treatment.
Standard Excisional Surgery
Standard excisional surgery involves removing the skin cancer or lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin. The tissue is
then sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the lesion has been completely removed.
It may be recommended for many basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, cysts, moles, and other benign skin lesions where complete surgical removal is the most appropriate treatment.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal or damaged skin cells. The treated tissue gradually breaks down and is replaced by healthy skin as the area heals.
It may be recommended for selected pre-cancerous lesions, sun damage, viral warts, and other benign skin growths where a simple, minimally invasive treatment is appropriate.
Topical Immunotherapy
Topical immunotherapy involves applying a prescription medication that stimulates your body’s immune system to target abnormal skin cells or persistent skin conditions. Treatment is completed over several weeks under the guidance of your dermatologist.
It may be recommended for selected superficial skin cancers, pre-cancerous lesions, and resistant viral warts when a non-surgical treatment option is suitable.
Preventative Treatment
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a well-established preventative treatment to reduce the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers.
A light-sensitive topical gel is applied to the affected area and activated using a specific medical grade light source. The treatment targets abnormal cells while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Your dermatologist will assess the type and depth of the lesion and determine whether it is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Basal Cell Carcinoma FAQs
Why do basal cell carcinomas need to be treated?
Basal cell carcinomas are usually slow-growing, but they can continue spreading across the skin and into deeper tissue if left untreated.
As the cancer grows, treatment may become more involved and may require removal of a larger area of tissue.
What are the treatment options for basal cell carcinoma?
Treatment depends on the type, size, depth and location of the basal cell carcinoma.
Dermatology Hawke’s Bay offers world-leading ‘gold standard’ Mohs micrographic surgery and other treatment options for selected superficial basal cell carcinomas.
Your dermatologist will recommend the option most suited to your circumstances.
When is Mohs micrographic surgery used?
Mohs micrographic surgery may be recommended for basal cell carcinomas in high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas, including the face, nose, ears and eyelids.
It may also be suitable for cancers with poorly defined edges or those that have returned following previous treatment.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. You can book directly with Dermatology Hawke’s Bay without a GP referral.
How do I book a consultation?
Contact Dermatology Hawke’s Bay to arrange a skin cancer consultation or skin check.