Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Edinburgh
Basal cell carcinoma treatment at Waterfront Private Hospital is a consultant-led pathway in Edinburgh — assessment, surgical excision, and reconstruction, where the lesion site requires it, all performed by the same consultant. Care is delivered by Mr Ben Aldridge, the UK’s only consultant dual-qualified in dermatology and plastic surgery, with a PhD in skin lesion diagnostics, and by Mr Kazem Nassar, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Both are on the GMC Specialist Register and sit on the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT. Most basal cell carcinomas are managed surgically; complex or recurrent cases are discussed at MDT.
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Basal cancer cell removal
I had a surgical incision to remove a Basal Cell Carcinoma. It was a brilliant experience and result. The patient care and after surgery attention was outstanding. I am so grateful.
Sandy Alexander
Nov 2024
Overview
- Consultants: Mr Ben Aldridge or Mr Kazem Nassar, both on the GMC Specialist Register.
- Pathway: consultation, surgical excision under local anaesthetic, reconstruction where indicated, histology confirmation, and follow-up — all at Waterfront.
- Anaesthetic: local anaesthetic for most cases; general anaesthesia where a larger reconstruction is required.
- Hospital stay: day case for the great majority of cases.
- Surgical excision: from £1,495.
- Surgical excision with reconstruction: from £2,195. Final pricing is set after assessment.
- Time from booking to consultation: typically 1-2 weeks.
How basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed and treated at Waterfront
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in the UK, typically appearing on sun-exposed skin as a pearly nodule, a non-healing sore, or a slowly enlarging scaly patch. Diagnosis is made by consultant assessment supported by dermoscopy; where the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy is taken first.
Excision is performed under local anaesthetic in most cases, with reconstruction planned in the same procedure for cosmetically sensitive sites such as the face or ears. Histology confirms complete excision. Complex or high-risk cases are discussed at the regional MDT and, where appropriate, referred for Mohs micrographic surgery.
What to expect from basal cell carcinoma treatment
The great majority of basal cell carcinomas are managed in a single procedure: surgical excision with planned margins, and reconstruction in the same sitting where needed. Histology after surgery confirms whether the excision is complete.
Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasises. The principal goals of treatment are complete local excision and a final scar that is appropriate to the site. Outcomes after complete excision are very good, with low recurrence rates for the majority of lesions.
Where reconstruction is needed, the technique is selected by the consultant during the consultation, based on the site, size, and shape of the expected defect. The consultant performing the excision plans and carries out the reconstruction, so the surgical plan is coherent.
When to seek a basal cell carcinoma assessment
Patients commonly book a basal cell carcinoma assessment when they have noticed one of the following.
- A pearly or translucent nodule that has appeared on sun-exposed skin.
- A sore or scab on the face, ears, or scalp that has not healed within a few weeks.
- A red, scaly patch that recurs in the same place despite emollients.
- A slowly enlarging patch of skin that looks different from the surrounding area.
- A history of significant sun exposure, repeated sunburns, or previous skin cancer.
- A new lesion in a patient who is immunosuppressed.
Most skin lesions assessed by a consultant are benign. Where a basal cell carcinoma is suspected, the assessment is the first step on a clear pathway to definitive treatment.
Risks and considerations
Surgical excision of basal cell carcinoma carries the same general risks as any minor surgical procedure — bruising, infection, scarring, and altered sensation around the wound. The site of the lesion influences the appearance of the final scar; your consultant will discuss this in detail before surgery.
Margin reassessment is occasionally needed. If histology shows that the basal cell carcinoma extends to the edge of the initial excision, a further excision is required to achieve clear margins. This is part of standard basal cell carcinoma management.
Recurrence is uncommon after complete excision but possible, particularly in morphoeic or ill-defined lesions, lesions on high-risk sites, or where margins were narrow. Patients with a personal history of basal cell carcinoma are at higher risk of developing further basal cell carcinomas elsewhere over time, and are commonly advised to remain alert to new lesions and to seek review if any develop.
Some basal cell carcinomas — particularly aggressive subtypes on anatomically complex sites — are best treated by Mohs micrographic surgery, which is not delivered at Waterfront. In those cases your consultant will recommend referral to a specialist centre for Mohs surgery.
Aftercare and follow-up
After surgical excision at Waterfront, a nurse reviews the wound at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant reviews you at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
Long-term follow-up after complete excision of a basal cell carcinoma is usually not required on a scheduled basis. Patients are advised to remain alert to new lesions developing elsewhere on the skin and to seek a review if any appear. Where a patient has multiple basal cell carcinomas, significant sun damage, or other risk factors, ongoing surveillance can be arranged.
What does basal cell carcinoma treatment cost?
Pricing depends on the size and site of the lesion and on whether reconstruction is needed.
- Consultation with a consultant: £200.
- Surgical excision: from £1,495.
- Surgical excision with reconstruction: from £2,195. Final pricing is set after consultation, based on the lesion site, the size of the excision, and the type of reconstruction required.
Each price covers the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee where applicable, the hospital and theatre fee at Waterfront Private Hospital, histology, and post-operative reviews until you are fully discharged. The full price for your individual case is confirmed in writing after consultation, before the procedure is booked.
Our basal cell carcinoma consultants
Basal cell carcinoma at Waterfront is treated by Mr Ben Aldridge — the UK’s only consultant dual-qualified in dermatology and plastic surgery, with a PhD in skin lesion diagnostics, co-author of national skin cancer guidelines, and chair of the South East Scotland Melanoma Multidisciplinary Team — and by Mr Kazem Nassar, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Both consultants are on the GMC Specialist Register and sit on the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT. Both perform the full spectrum of basal cell carcinoma surgery, including reconstruction.
Frequently asked questions about basal cell carcinoma treatment
Who will treat my basal cell carcinoma?
How quickly can I be seen?
Will I need a biopsy before surgery?
What anaesthetic is used?
What does the surgery involve?
What happens if the margins are not clear?
Do you offer Mohs micrographic surgery at Waterfront?
What is the South East Scotland Skin Cancer MDT?
What is the recurrence risk?
How often will I be followed up?
I’ve had several skin cancers — does that change my care?
How is treatment paid for?
Page author
Mr Kazem Nassar, MBChB, FRCS (Plast), GMC 7131999, is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Consultant with over 10 years of experience. He practices at St John’s Hospital and the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, specialising in melanoma, skin cancer treatments, breast surgery, and post-cancer reconstructive surgery.
