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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the UK, accounting for over 80% of cases. This non-melanoma cancer arises from basal cells in the deepest layer of the skin’s epidermis, often due to prolonged UV exposure from sunlight or sunbeds. BCC grows slowly but can cause significant skin damage if left untreated, earning it the nickname “rodent ulcer.” Key risk factors include fair skin, frequent sunburns, sunbed use, age over 50, a family or personal history of skin cancer, weakened immunity, and chronic skin issues.
BCC usually appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, neck, and shoulders. It may look like a shiny pink bump, a flat scaly patch, a non-healing sore, or a scar-like spot, and often goes unnoticed because it’s painless and slow-growing. Diagnosis is confirmed with a skin biopsy. While BCC rarely spreads, it can cause serious local tissue damage if untreated. At the Minor Surgery Clinic, we specialise in surgical excision to completely remove the tumour, providing a safe and effective treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications. We also advise regular skin checks, use of sunscreen, and protective clothing—especially for those at higher risk. Our expert team offers personalised care and thorough follow-up for every patient diagnosed with BCC.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer, is usually effectively treated through the NHS. The treatment approach depends on factors such as the type and size of the cancer, its location, whether it has spread, and your overall health.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for BCC, especially when detected early. The surgeon removes the cancer along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated. In some cases, more specialized surgical techniques may be used, such as Mohs surgery, which removes the cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. If a large area is removed, a skin graft from another part of your body may be necessary to repair the area.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended if surgery isn’t suitable—for example, if the cancer is in a difficult location, if it covers a large area, if the patient is unwell, or if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Radiotherapy can also be used after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Topical and Systemic Treatments
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT is a treatment involving a light-sensitive medicine applied to the affected area, followed by exposure to a special light that activates the medicine to kill cancer cells. This option is generally reserved for BCCs that are not too thick or deeply invasive.
Your NHS specialist team will explain the treatment options, expected benefits, and possible side effects. Together, you will develop a personalized treatment plan. Regular check-ups during and after treatment help monitor your recovery and detect any signs of the cancer returning early
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is usually slow-growing and effectively treatable through the NHS, often with surgery as the main option. However, many patients face significant delays when waiting for diagnosis and treatment, which can cause understandable anxiety and concern.
Long Waiting Times Can Be Distressing
A common experience reported by people suspected of having BCC is long waiting times for NHS appointments. For example, one patient referred by their GP in May was offered the earliest NHS appointment only in September—about a four-month wait. The GP tried to refer the patient urgently on the cancer pathway, but no suitable clinic slots were available, leading to the “urgent” option with long waits instead.
Another patient shared that after being diagnosed with BCC previously through private care within weeks, their recent NHS wait extended to 18 months just for an appointment. They also faced months-long delays for treatment after the consultation, highlighting how waiting times can stretch far beyond what feels reasonable.
Why Are Waiting Times So Long?
The NHS faces significant pressure due to high demand, staff shortages, and limited clinic availability. Certain cases—like BCCs on the face requiring plastic surgery—may require specialized services, adding complexity and delays.
The Impact of Waiting on Patients
Although most BCCs grow slowly and are not immediately life-threatening, waiting several months—or even over a year—for assessment and treatment can be extremely stressful. Patients often worry about the cancer spreading or becoming more aggressive during this time. This uncertainty can impact mental wellbeing, leaving people feeling anxious and frustrated.
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At the Minor Surgery Clinic, surgical excision is a trusted and effective treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), particularly for small, well-defined tumors in low-risk areas like the trunk, arms, or legs. The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area; this may cause a brief sting but typically lasts for several hours. The surgeon then cleans the site with antiseptic and uses a sterile drape. The lesion and surrounding margins—the healthy skin around the cancer that needs removal—are carefully marked with a surgical pen. Using a scalpel, the BCC is excised in an elliptical shape to help with closure, however if direct closure is not possible then the defect will need to be reconstructed using a skin graft or a local flap. The removed tissue is sent for histological analysis to ensure all cancer cells have been removed. Finally, the wound is closed with sutures, depending on its size and location, and covered with a dressing to protect the area and promote healing.
The Minor Surgery Clinic is an excellent option for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) removal because it offers high-quality day-case surgery under local anaesthesia with a focus on accessibility, affordability, and patient convenience. With a nationwide network of private clinics, the clinic minimizes waiting times and streamlines the entire process from referral to recovery, allowing patients to have their surgery and return home on the same day. The surgical team consists exclusively of highly skilled UK-trained surgeons who have performed over 10,000 procedures, ensuring expert care with a strong emphasis on patient safety and comfort. The clinic aims for a 95% complication-free surgery rate, providing reassurance for those seeking reliable treatment. The Minor Surgery Clinic combines expert surgical care with convenience and compassionate patient-centred service, making it a trusted choice for BCC removal.
The cost of basal cell carcinoma removal depends on the size and location of the affected area. At the Minor Surgery Clinic, package prices start from £575 plus histology fees. This price includes the surgery itself and follow-up care after the procedure.
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