Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and the most common cancer world wide. The UK annual incidence is 146 cases per 100,000. Originally called “Rodent Ulcer”, these tumours can grow locally causing tissue destruction of neighbouring structures and if left untreated for some time can therefore be more difficult to treat. They very, very rarely spread.

Basal Cell Carcinoma most commonly occur on the head and neck. More often that not they are a small slow growing waxy nodule with a central pit. They can mimic other lesions but are easier to diagnose with Dermoscopy which Mr Potter undertakes at your outpatient visit.

Generally, they occur on the face, with the mainstay of treatment being Surgery. Mr Potter particularly has the techniques and support to remove tumours and reconstruct the defect to give the optimum aesthetic result and maintain as much function. With larger defects Mr Potter will use flaps of local skin to give a colour match. Specifically where possible, he will aim to hide the scars within skin folds.

Mr Potter will show you photographs of previous patients that have had similar tumours with similar reconstructions so that you can understand the initial post operative result as well as how such surgery settles with time.

If your BCC is complex, extensive or involving a site that has cosmetic or functional concerns Mr Potter may well discuss the role of minimal margin excision using MOHS surgery. Complex or extensive BCCs will be furthermore discussed at a Multidisciplinary team meeting where alternative forms of treatment or a combination of treatments will be discussed to give you the optimum treatment plan.

The Data

National average for complete excision of BCCs

95%

Mr Potter’s complete excision rate for BCCs

99%

Percentage of flaps lost in reconstructing BCC defects

Percentage of grafts lost in reconstructing BCC defects (last three years)

Percentage of cases that have had a return to theatre following BCC excision

<1%

Matt has been my consultant for over 2 years. He has skilfully undertaken numerous procedures relating to a large bcc on my scalp as well as the removal of other lesions and moles. During appointments, Matt always provides clear explanations and takes time to listen to any concerns. His personable nature and sense of humour has made the many procedures more bearable and for that I am extremely grateful. I feel extremely fortunate and reassured to be under Matt’s expert care and could not recommend him highly enough.

I like the calm way Mr Matthew Potter treats his patients-the unhurried assessment, the clear suggestions on the way forward-the diagrams to explain it more fully-then the actual procedure. He is professional yet friendly, and I had ever confidence in him whilst he was treating me. I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone, as I feel the way he deals with people is perfect.

Thank you for your wonderful work on my nose.

From the initial appointment in December he was very informative about the procedure necessary. He was very clear and caring as i felt quite emotional at the time as we had our daughter’s wedding arranged shortly afterwards. He showed us photos so we knew what to expect and his skills were amazing. and the results fantastic. Many of our friends were amazed at the end result and I can’t thank him enough, and would strongly recommend him as he is a very talented surgeon.

Mr Potter reconstructed my left nostril using a graft from my left ear. I would recommend him highly. He gave me clear advice about the procedure he was going to perform, the risks associated with this procedure and the recovery plan I needed to follow to secure a good outcome. I had confidence in Mr Potter and a good rapport with him. He was very pleasant, listened and saw me daily after the operation. I am delighted with the result. My six days at The Manor Hospital were very comfortable. The nurses and staff were so nice.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

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The Data