Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Diagnosis and Treatment at Glasgow Skin Specialists
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common, slow‑growing form of skin cancer that often appears on sun‑exposed areas of the skin. At Glasgow Skin Specialists, we offer thorough assessment and management of suspected BCC, with clinically led advice and treatment focused on safety, effectiveness, and long‑term skin health.
Expert skin cancer treatment from a specialist plastic surgeon
Duncan Lowe is a highly experienced plastic surgeon and Clinical Director at Glasgow Skin Specialists.
Dr Lowe has significant experience in treating skin cancer. In his NHS practice, he sees and treats almost a thousand skin cancers each year.
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
The most common form of skin cancer is called a basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, and accounts for 75% of skin cancers in Scotland. Some people refer to these tumours as ‘rodent ulcers’. They are relatively harmless, slow-growing (over months to years), and rarely a threat to life. They can, however, look unpleasant, can ulcerate or bleed, or form a thick crust. There are a few subtypes, and most would benefit from surgical removal, which is usually straightforward. Following removal, no further treatment or clinical follow-up is usually required.
Signs and Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma
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Pearly, translucent bump with tiny blood vessels
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Non-healing sore, scabs, may bleed
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Red, scaly patch, or scar-like lesion
Risk Factors & Who is Most at Risk?
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Sun Exposure​​​
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Fair Skin or Light Features​
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History of Sunburn​​
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Age​
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Family or Personal History of Skin Cancer
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BCC Removal - What to Expect:
1 / Consultation
When you attend for your consultation, you will be seen by a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will take a short medical history from you and some photographs of the lesion for your medical records. They will discuss with you your options for treatment, which may include topical treatment with a cream, a sample of the lesion to obtain a diagnosis (incisional biopsy), or a full removal of the skin cancer under local anaesthetic. Following this discussion, if you choose surgery, you will be offered a further appointment to return for your operation.
2 / Surgical Procedure
The skin cancer removal operation is carried out under local anaesthetic. These are skin-numbing injections, similar to that used at a dentist. Once the skin is numbed, the tumour is removed, along with an additional 3-5 mm of healthy skin around the edge. In most cases, the skin edges can then be brought together with stitches, leaving you with a straight scar. Larger tumours, however, or tumours growing on sites with little skin movement, may leave a defect in the skin that is too large to bring together directly. In this case, you may need some of the nearby skin to be moved into the gap (local flap), or a distant piece of skin transferred to the site and stitched into place (skin graft). If this is likely to be necessary, your surgeon will go through these options with you in your initial consultation. Depending on the site of surgery and the method of reconstruction, you can expect the wound to heal within one to two weeks, leaving a scar, which will continue to mature over a period of months.
3 / Histology and Results
All excised specimens are sent to a specialist pathology service, with histology results typically being returned within seven working days. Histology costs are included within the treatment price, ensuring a transparent and comprehensive service. The results will confirm the diagnosis and comment on whether the tumour has been completely removed. This will be the case in 95% of operations, but there is a 5% risk that microscopic spread has extended beyond the margins of surgery.
4 / Postoperative Care
Following your surgery, you will be given some aftercare information and offered a follow-up appointment free of charge, to ensure your wounds have healed satisfactorily and to take some post-operative photographs. Your pathology results will be discussed with you, and, if necessary, any further treatment or follow-up recommended can be arranged. A BCC that has been completely removed, however, rarely requires further treatment or follow-up.