Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest form of all cancers. It is a skin cancer mostly seen is white skin, particularly those with pale skin and blue eyes. BCC is often known as rodent ulcer.

The appearance of basal cell carcinoma can be quite varied. The different appearances include nodular BCC. pigmented BCC, superficial BCC, morphoeic BCC.

Treatment of BCC

• Skin Surgery - The usual treatment for BCCs other than small tumours or those with the superficial pattern.

• Photodynamic therapy - A treatment carried out at Shropshire Skin Clinic over 2 sessions 1 week apart.. Most suited for superficial or small BCCs

• Topical Immunotherapy - Using imiquimod cream (Aldara) over a six week period. Most suited to superficial or small BCCs

• Radiotherapy - This treatment is usually reserved for older patients with larger skin cancers difficult to treat with surgery. This type of treatment is generally carried out in NHS cancer centres. When Dr Murdoch sees patients requiring this type of treatment he will discuss the case with the radiotherapy doctors from the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital at the local skin cancer multidisciplinary meeting and onward referral will be arranged.

• Cryotherapy - This freezing treatment has been popular for small or superficial skin cancers for many years. Dr Murdoch believes that this treatment is now largely outdated by the options outlined above and would seldom use this treatment for BCC in his practice.