Skin Cancer Education
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common form of skin cancer — and the most treatable when caught early.
What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer in Australia, with approximately 750,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It develops in the basal cells — the cells at the bottom of the epidermis that produce new skin cells as old ones die off.
BCC typically grows slowly and rarely spreads (metastasises) to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep into surrounding tissue, damaging nerves, blood vessels, and bone. This is why early detection and treatment are so important.
The good news is that BCC has an excellent prognosis when treated early — with cure rates exceeding 95% for most cases. At Helios Skin Clinic, Dr Ranjini uses advanced dermoscopy to detect BCCs at the earliest possible stage, when they are simplest to treat.
Signs & Symptoms
BCC can present in several different ways. Look out for any of the following on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back:
A pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels
A flat, flesh-coloured or light brown scar-like lesion
A bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and then returns
A pink growth with a raised border and crusted centre
A shiny, translucent nodule — clear, pink, or red
Risk Factors
UV Exposure
Cumulative lifetime sun exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence
Fair Skin
Light skin that freckles or burns easily, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair
Age
Most common in adults over 50, though increasingly diagnosed in younger Australians
History of Sunburn
Multiple blistering sunburns, particularly in early life, significantly increase risk
Immunosuppression
Organ transplant recipients and those on immune-suppressing medications face higher risk
Previous Skin Cancer
Having had one BCC significantly increases the likelihood of developing another
Treatment at Our Clinic
At Helios Skin Clinic, Dr Ranjini treats basal cell carcinoma using several evidence-based approaches, depending on the size, location, and subtype of the BCC:
- Excisional surgery — The most common treatment. The BCC is surgically removed with a margin of healthy tissue, and the specimen is sent for pathological analysis to confirm clear margins.
- Cryotherapy — For small, superficial BCCs, targeted freezing with liquid nitrogen can be an effective non-surgical option.
- Curettage and cautery — Suitable for small, low-risk BCCs, this technique involves scraping away the cancer and sealing the wound with heat.
For complex cases on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the nose or eyelids, Dr Ranjini may refer to a specialist for Mohs micrographic surgery, which offers the highest cure rate while preserving maximum healthy tissue.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor promptly if you notice a new growth on your skin, a sore that won't heal, or any change in an existing spot. BCCs are almost always curable when detected early — don't wait for a spot to become a problem before seeking a professional opinion.
At Helios Skin Clinic, we can usually see new patients within a week. No referral is needed.
When Was Your Last Skin Check?
Most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early. If you haven't had a professional skin check in the past 12 months — now is the time to act.
Book Your Skin Check (opens in new window)No referral needed. Most patients are seen within a week.