Diagnosis: Basal cell carcinoma
Description: Red scaly plaques
Morphology: Red,scaly
Site: Back
Sex: M
Age: 45
Type: Clinical
Submitted By: Ian McColl
Differential DiagnosisHistory: Basal cell skin cancer is exceedingly common in white skins in hot sunny climates especially in countries such as Australia.The superficial basal cell skin cancer is the commonest skin cancer seen in white skin in Australia.It does not metastasise but may be multifocal with recurrences commonly occuring near treated areas.Often lesions are multiple as in this case with signs of excessive sun damage sustained over the years.This man has many scars from previous surgery.New treatments such as Imiquimod cream and Photodynamic therapy are now available to treat superficial basal cell skin cancer in a more cosmetically acceptible way.