Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), also known as 'Rodent Ulcer', is the commonest skin cancer and indeed the commonest malignancy of any form in Caucasians. It is becoming increasingly prevalent. The incidence of BCC increases with age, a major aetiological factor is UV exposure from sunlight with sunburn in childhood considered the most risky time. Often positive family history of BCC / other skin malignancy.
The majority of lesions are located on the head and neck and are slow-growing, locally invasive and metastasise only in extremely rare circumstances. There are a number of differing subtypes of BCC, with different characteristics. The classical appearance is:
There are a number of options for management, but surgical excision is generally the treatment of choice followed by reconstruction using a technique from the reconstructive ladder. Conservative treatment using cryotherapy or topical chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-Fluorouracil is generally reserved for patients who are unfit for anaesthesia.