The most common skin cancer I see in the clinic: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Q: What is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?

BCC begins in the basal cells, which sit in the deepest layer of the outer skin, called the epidermis. These cells usually make new skin cells as old ones die off. When UV rays damage their DNA, the cells can start growing out of control and form a tumour.

Q: What Does a BCC Look Like?

BCCs can look like: 1. The Pearly Bump: A shiny, skin-colored, or pinkish lump that looks a bit like a translucent bead. You might see tiny blood vessels on the surface. 2. The Non-Healing Sore: A spot that bleeds, crusts over, appears to heal, and then begins to bleed and crust again. 3. The Flat, Red Patch: A dry, scaly area that looks a bit like eczema but doesn't go away with moisturiser. 4. The Waxy Scar: A firm area that looks like a scar, often appearing white or yellow.

Doctor Dermis
Apr 29
3 min read

Updated: Jul 17

Australia is famous for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. However, all that sunshine has a downside: Basal Cell Carcinoma. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer diagnosed in Australia, with hundreds of thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. This is something we see every day at our skin cancer clinic on the Gold Coast.

BCC is rarely life-threatening, but it can keep growing and cause serious damage if left untreated. Here’s what you need to know about the most common cancer I see.

Doctor Dermis, Robina's Skin Cancer Clinic tells their patients, the best sunscreen you can use, is the one you wear.

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)?

BCC begins in the basal cells, which sit in the deepest layer of the outer skin, called the epidermis. These cells usually make new skin cells as old ones die off. When UV rays damage their DNA, the cells can start growing out of control and form a tumour.

Signs of Skin Cancer: What Does a BCC Look Like?

People often call BCCs "pearly" because of how they look, but they can take many forms, as they are master mimics. They usually appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and shoulders, but can appear anywhere on the skin. BCCs can look like:

The Pearly Bump: A shiny, skin-colored, or pinkish lump that looks a bit like a translucent bead. You might see tiny blood vessels on the surface.
The Non-Healing Sore: A spot that bleeds, crusts over, appears to heal, and then begins to bleed and crust again.
The Flat, Red Patch: A dry, scaly area that looks a bit like eczema but doesn't go away with moisturiser.
The Waxy Scar: A firm area that looks like a scar, often appearing white or yellow.

Important Note: Most BCCs are painless to touch. Do not wait for a spot to hurt before getting it checked by a doctor. If you notice a new spot, one that’s changing, or one that won't heal after 4–6 weeks, you need to get a skin cancer check.

Why is BCC Common in Australia?

There are several reasons why BCC is so prevalent in Australia:

High UV Levels: Australia receives some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world.
Outdoor Lifestyle: From cricket to surfing, our culture revolves around the sun.
Genetic Makeup: A large portion of the population has fair skin, which has less melanin to protect against UV damage.

Treatment Options for BCC

The good news is that if BCC is found early, it can almost always be cured. The treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the BCC.

Surgical Excision

This is the most common method. The doctor cuts out the cancer and a small "safety margin" of healthy skin.

Curettage & Cautery

In this method, the cancer is scraped away. The area is then seared (burnt) to kill remaining cells.

Topical Creams

For very superficial BCCs, special immunotherapy or chemotherapy creams can be applied at home.

Photodynamic Therapy

This involves the use of a light-activated cream to target and destroy abnormal skin cells while preserving the healthy surrounding tissue.

Your Prevention Checklist

In Australia, sun protection isn't just for summer; it is a year-round necessity. Even if you think the ‘damage is already done,’ there is still good reason to continue to:

Slip on sun-protective clothing.
Slop on SPF 30+ (or higher) broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.
Seek shade.
Slide on wrap-around sunglasses.

Key Tip

Get to know your skin. Perform a self-check once a month in a well-lit room. If you find a "dodgy" looking spot—one that is new, changing, or not healing—do not ignore it. Have it checked by a professional immediately.

Book a Skin Cancer Check on the Gold Coast

Early detection makes all the difference. It can mean the difference between a simple procedure and a more complex treatment or even surgery. If you have noticed anything unusual or it has been a while since your last check, book a full-body skin check at our Gold Coast clinic today. No referral is required.

Understanding the Importance of Regular Checks

Regular skin checks are crucial for early detection of skin cancer. I recommend scheduling an appointment at least once a year, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of skin cancer or a history of excessive sun exposure.

The Role of Education in Prevention

Education plays a vital role in skin cancer prevention. Understanding the signs and symptoms of BCC can empower individuals to seek help early. I encourage everyone to attend community workshops or seminars on skin health.

Conclusion

Basal Cell Carcinoma is a common skin cancer in Australia, but it is manageable with early detection and treatment. By understanding the signs, practicing sun safety, and scheduling regular skin checks, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with BCC. Remember, your skin health is important, and I am here to help you maintain it.