Basal Cell Carcinoma

1 medicine

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, arising from sun-damaged skin, and is managed through surgical removal or, in select cases, topical medicines.

Efudex

Fluorouracil

1/5%

Efudex is a skin care medication containing Fluorouracil, available as 1/5% tubes.

from $8.67 / tube View

Key facts

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; it grows slowly and rarely spreads beyond the skin but can cause significant local damage if untreated.
  • It arises from cumulative sun exposure; fair skin and prolonged UV exposure raise the risk.
  • The main treatment is physical removal (surgical excision, Mohs surgery, or cryotherapy); topical fluorouracil is an option for superficial lesions when surgery is not suitable.
  • Any suspicious or changing lesion on the face, scalp, ears, or neck needs prompt assessment by a dermatologist.

What basal cell carcinoma is

BCC arises from the basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It typically develops slowly over months or years and, unlike melanoma, rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Left untreated, though, it can grow into surrounding skin and deeper tissue, making early treatment much simpler than treatment of an advanced lesion.

What causes it

Cumulative ultraviolet exposure is the dominant cause, from sunlight or tanning devices. Fair skin, a history of sunburns, and years of unprotected outdoor exposure all raise the risk. Lesions most often appear on skin that gets the most sun: the face, ears, scalp, neck, and hands.

How it is managed

The primary treatment is physical removal. Surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery (which checks tissue margins layer by layer), or cryotherapy work well for small, well-defined lesions. Where surgery is not suitable, for superficial BCCs, multiple lesions, or patients who cannot undergo an operation, topical treatment is a recognised alternative. Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy agent applied directly to the skin that disrupts cancer-cell replication; it is used for superficial BCC and also has a role in broader skin care and oncology support.

When to see a doctor

Any new or changing skin lesion, one that bleeds, will not heal, or has an odd pearly or scaly appearance, deserves assessment by a dermatologist. This is especially true on the face, scalp, ears, or neck. Early detection keeps treatment straightforward and improves the cosmetic outcome.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.