Basal Cell Carcinoma

Key points

• BCC: commonest skin cancer; pearly papule/nodule with telangiectasia, rolled edge, central ulceration ('rodent ulcer') — usually on sun-exposed sites.
• Does NOT metastasise but locally destructive.
• Management: surgical excision (curative); alternatives — radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, topical imiquimod/5-FU (superficial), Mohs for high-risk facial lesions.
• Multiple BCCs in young patients → consider Gorlin (basal cell naevus) syndrome.
• Risk factor: chronic UV exposure.

Decision points in this pathway

• High-risk facial lesion?

The full step-by-step algorithm, including what to do at each branch, opens in the app for approved members.