Skin Cancer Surgery · BCC
Skin Cancer · Conditions
BCC is Australia's most common cancer — slow-growing, rarely life-threatening, but locally destructive, and most often found on the face. Removing it completely, and repairing the site well, matters for the rest of your life.
What it is
Basal cell carcinoma arises from the deepest layer of the epidermis, almost always on sun-exposed skin — the nose, eyelids, ears, cheeks and forehead are the most frequent sites. BCCs grow slowly and very rarely spread to other parts of the body, but left untreated they burrow into surrounding tissue, which is why early, complete removal gives the simplest surgery and the best cosmetic result.
BCCs can look like a pearly lump, a flat scaly patch, a sore that won't heal, or a scar-like area. Any new or changing lesion should be checked by your GP or dermatologist.
Treatment
The standard treatment for most facial BCCs is surgical excision with a margin of healthy tissue, confirmed by pathology. For BCCs in high-risk zones — around the nose, eyes and lips — or those with aggressive growth patterns or previous recurrence, Mohs micrographic surgery may be recommended; Dr Kim works closely with Sydney's Mohs surgery specialists and reconstructs these defects, usually the same day.
Because most BCCs sit on the face, how the defect is repaired is as important as the excision itself. Dr Kim performs excision and reconstruction in a single operation where appropriate, using direct closure, local flaps or grafts chosen for the best contour and colour match.
Common questions
BCC very rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it invades local tissue progressively. Early removal means smaller surgery, simpler reconstruction and a better cosmetic outcome.
Not usually as an emergency — but delay allows growth, and on the face every millimetre of growth makes reconstruction more complex. Prompt treatment is sensible.
All surgery leaves a scar. On the face, Dr Kim plans excisions and repairs along natural skin lines so scars settle as inconspicuously as possible over 6–12 months.
Most BCCs are well treated by standard excision with pathology-confirmed margins. Mohs surgery is typically reserved for high-risk sites, aggressive subtypes or recurrent tumours; Dr Kim can advise and coordinate either pathway.
Related
Next step
Consultations in Sydney CBD and North Sydney. Referrals from GPs, dermatologists and Mohs surgery specialists welcome. Phone 1300 911 151.
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