Basal Cell Carcinoma Hampshire UK

• Basal cell carcinoma (Rodent Ulcer) is the most common skin cancer but malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more dangerous

• Dr Fairris is recognised as one of the leading skin cancer surgeons in the UK and has a personal cure rate of 97- 98%, measured while treating more than 1,500 facial skin cancers.

What causes a basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinomas occur most commonly in people who do not tan well.

The role that sunlight plays in causing them is unclear because they often arise in areas of skin shaded from the sun and are no more common in outdoor workers.

What is a basal cell carcinoma?

The skin's basal cells are growing in an uncontrolled fashion. In order to grow, the cells must be attached to skin collagen and so the disease very rarely spreads from the skin to other sites.

What will happen to a basal cell carcinoma if it is not treated?

Most BCCs occur on the face and neck. They will continue to grow indefinitely, forming either a weeping hole or lump. They must be treated before they invade bone or cartilage.

How can a basal cell carcinoma be treated?

Surgery returns a 97-98% cure rate.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) leaves a better cosmetic result but a 12% lower cure rate.

Radiotherapy, cryotherapy and Aldara cream now have a more limited role.

How can a basal cell carcinoma be prevented?

Wearing a sunscreen may help. 2ml of sunscreen with SPF 20 and **** UVA protection should be applied to the face every morning. Sunscreens containing mexoryl are amongst the least white available.

A hat protects the scalp and forehead only.