What is basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a low-risk cancer that is the most common malignant tumour of the skin in white people. BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Instead, it slowly enlarges, causing no pain, though bleeding may occur from the surface. Around the eye (periocular), the most usual form and location is a small hard whitish nodule that appears on the lower eyelid.
In the UK BCC around the eyes affects 4-5 people per 100,000 of the population per year. In other parts of the world, especially where ultra-violet (UV) exposure is higher, more people are affected; for example, the figure may be three to four times higher in Australia. People who work outdoors are more likely to develop BCC.
It is very important to distinguish BCC from other growths that sometimes appear on the eyelids. It is usual to take a small sample of the tumour (known as a biopsy) for examination in the laboratory, so that the diagnosis can be confirmed and a treatment plan developed.
How is basal cell carcinoma managed?
The usual treatment is either radiotherapy or surgery to remove the tumour. A special kind of surgery, known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is sometimes recommended. In this procedure, thin slices of the tumour are removed one after another and examined under the microscope until the surgeon is satisfied that all of the tumour has been removed. The result is complete removal of the tumour with the smallest possible wound.
