Overview

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, arising from the basal cells in the top layer of the skin (epidermis). It usually develops in areas exposed to the sun such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, and arms.

BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. With early detection and proper treatment, the cure rate is extremely high.

At I D Cancer Center, our specialists offer accurate diagnosis, advanced radiotherapy techniques, and personalized treatment plans to achieve the best cosmetic and clinical outcomes.

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Causes & Risk Factors

Major Risk Factors

• Chronic sun exposure / UV radiation

• Fair skin or light-colored eyes

• History of frequent sunburns

• Increasing age

• Male gender (slightly higher risk)

• Radiation exposure

• Weak immune system

• Genetic conditions (e.g., Gorlin syndrome)

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Common Symptoms

BCC may appear in different forms:

Typical Signs

• Pearly or waxy bump

• Pink or flesh-colored patch

• Non-healing sore that bleeds or crusts

• Scar-like flat lesion

• Reddish irritated patch

• Shiny bump with visible blood vessels

Warning Signs

• A new growth that does not heal

• A lesion growing slowly over weeks or months

• A sore that bleeds repeatedly

Early medical attention helps avoid larger, more complex surgeries.

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Types of Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Nodular BCC – most common, pearly bump

• Superficial BCC – flat, red patch

• Morpheaform (Sclerosing) BCC – aggressive, scar-like appearance

• Pigmented BCC – brown/black color, mimicking melanoma

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Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

We follow a detailed and systematic approach:

1. Clinical Examination

Assessment of skin lesion size, shape, and appearance.

2. Dermoscopy

Magnified visualization to identify typical BCC patterns.

3. Biopsy

• Punch biopsy

• Shave biopsy

• Excisional biopsy

Biopsy confirms cancer type and subtype.

4. Imaging (Only if needed)

• MRI / CT (for deep or advanced cases)

• Assessment for bone/cartilage involvement

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Treatment Options

1. Surgical Removal (First Choice for Most Cases)

• Excision with safe margins

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery (in select centers, especially for facial BCC)
  Offers excellent cure rates and minimal scarring.

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2. Radiation Therapy

Ideal for patients who:

• Cannot undergo surgery

• Have lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas (nose, eyelids, lips, ears)

• Require organ-preserving treatment

• Need post-surgical therapy for high-risk BCC

At I D Cancer Center, we offer:

• IMRT / IGRT / VMAT

• Electron beam therapy
  Benefits include:
  ✔ Painless and non-invasive
  ✔ Excellent cosmetic outcome
  ✔ High tumor control

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3. Topical or Local Therapies

Used for selected superficial BCCs:

• Imiquimod cream

• 5-FU cream

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

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4. Targeted Therapy

For advanced or unresectable BCC:

• Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (Vismodegib / Sonidegib)

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5. Palliative Care (Rarely needed)

Used when BCC is advanced or metastatic.

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Prognosis

BCC has an excellent prognosis when treated early.

Most patients achieve:

• Complete cure

• Minimal scarring

• Long-term control

Regular follow-up is essential to detect new lesions early, especially in high-risk patients.

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Why Choose I D Cancer Center?

• Expert Radiation Oncologist – Dr. Sunil Kumar

• Precision radiotherapy for sensitive facial regions

• Multidisciplinary tumour board for complex BCC

• Modern diagnostic tools including dermoscopy & biopsy

• Patient-centric approach with focus on cosmetic outcomes

• Seamless follow-up and skincare counselling