Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
This shows the scaly and crusty appearance of a superficial BCC.
This lesion displays the characteristic scaly, non-pigmented appearance. This lesion also has a nodular element, with raised, pearly edges and central ulceration.
This shows a small superficial BCC. There is ulceration present in the centre of the lesion with a degree of induration being visible around it.
This lesion is on the chest of a middle aged woman. It displays the characteristic pink/red, slightly scaly appearance of a superficial BCC.
This superficial bcc on the cheek has a scaly area around a nodular, rolled edge. This highlights the importance of looking for a rolled edge and central ulceration in any longstanding lesion, particularly on sun exposed areas in middle aged or elderly patients.
Features
This type is found mainly on the trunk and less commonly, on the limbs. These are often pigmented and, as the name suggests, spread relatively superficially. Lesions tend to be pink to red-brown in colour, with erosion and ulceration being less common than the nodular type of BCC.
These lesions can usually be treated more conservatively than other types of BCC, although they do tend to recur.
In this growth pattern small buds of proliferating basal cells grow down from the epidermis into the superficial dermis, whilst maintaining their attachment to the base of the epidermis, often over a wide area. These down-growths are separated by intervening normal epidermis.
Multiple lesions may indicate arsenic exposure.
Incidence
Superficial (apparently multifocal) lesions make up 15% of all BCCs.
Differential Diagnosis
Eczema. Psoriasis. Bowen's disease.
Treatment
The best forms of treatment for a primary superficial BCC are shown below. Note: "Large"=>2cm.
Superficial, small and low-risk site
Cryosurgery or curettage and cautery should be considered.
Superficial, large and low-risk site
Cryosurgery or curettage and cautery should be considered.
Superficial, small and high-risk site
Excision is the treatment of choice. Cryosurgery or radiation therapy are also effective.
Superficial, large and high-risk site
Radiation therapy, excision or Moh's micrographic surgery should be considered.
