Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, affecting 50-60,000 Canadians a year. This is a non-melanoma skin cancer, that is not life-threatening. It is localized to the superficial layers of the skin and almost never spreads to other areas of the body. However, it can invade the surrounding tissue and can cause significant deformities if left untreated. Basal cell carcinoma develops in the bottom layer of the epidermis and is almost always associated with ultraviolet sun damage. The most common areas it develops on is the face, ears, scalp, chest or back.
“I found him to be extremely professional and knowledgeable. He avoids unnecessary procedures and explains his reasoning. I’ve gone to him for skin cancer removals as well as non surgical cosmetic injections and he treats me with the utmost respect. Plus, his staff is amazing.” – Anonymous
What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
Basal cell carcinoma can look different depending on the case. BCC may look like the following:
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- Persistent non-healing sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts
- Shiny pink, white or red bump that is pearly or translucent
- A pink growth with slightly elevated and rolled borders
- Bump with visible blood vessels (telangiectasia’s) on the surface of the skin
- A scar-like area that is white, yellow or waxy with poorly defined borders
- Reddish, irritated patch on the back, shoulders, chest, arms or legs




images from: www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com
How Is BCC Diagnosed?
performed.
Skin Cancer Biopsy Results
Biopsy results take approximately 2-3 weeks to be processed. Regardless of your results, we will contact you with your final results. At this point, the pathologist will have determined which sub-type of BCC it is. This will help us determine the most appropriate treatment.
There are three main sub-types of BCC: superficial, nodular and infiltrative. Superficial Basal Cell (SBCC) is localized in the very superficial portions of the skin and is most common on the torso or extremities. Nodular or Infiltrative BCC are most common on the face & scalp, often with a deeper invasion that is not visible on the surface of the skin.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Depending on the sub-type of basal cell, several treatment options may be recommended. For
Superficial Basal Cell (SBCC)
Nodular or Infiltrative BCC
- Wide Excision In-Office – An elliptical shape of tissue is used to remove the skin cancer as well as a margin of healthy tissue. Both internal (absorbable) and external sutures are usually required. The surgical specimen is sent to the lab to be analyzed. Results will be obtained in approximately 2-3 weeks. Our goal is to obtain “clear margins”, confirming that cancer has been removed with an adequate margin of healthy skin.
MOHS Surgery for BCC Treatment

Follow-Up After Skin Cancer Treatment
With any of the above treatment methods, the cure rate for BCC is >95%. However, although the risk of a previously diagnosed BCC recurring is quite low, the chance of developing another BCC on a different part of the body is quite high. This can be attributed to skin type, genetics, sun exposure, etc. As the incidence of BCC is very high and the risk associated with it is very low, you will normally be followed in our office for one year following your successful treatment.
At this time, unless you have developed additional skin cancers, you will be returned to your family doctor for regular skin surveillance. If you develop any new or suspicious lesions that are sore and never heal, have your doctor assess them and refer you back to our office if he feels you need additional treatment.
Learn More About Skin Cancer
For more information you can visit the following websites:
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about our treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma, contact Remington Laser Dermatology Centre today. To contact Dr. Kent Remington, call 403-252-7784. To call Dr. Todd Remington, call 403-255-1633. Our practice serves Calgary and surrounding areas in Canada.