Basal cell carcinoma in Dubai — recognising BCC, skin cancer checks and treatment referral

Key facts

• The most common skin cancer, linked to sun exposure
• Pearly bump, pink patch or a sore that will not heal
• Biopsy under local anaesthetic confirms the diagnosis
• Facial or high-risk BCCs may need Mohs surgery referral
• Regular skin checks after a first BCC

What basal cell carcinoma is

Basal cell carcinoma develops from basal cells in the lower part of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Its main cause is cumulative ultraviolet exposure from the sun, which is why it appears most often on the face, nose, ears, scalp, neck and shoulders. It is more common with fair skin, older age, a history of sunburn or outdoor work, previous skin cancer, radiotherapy and weakened immunity, though it can occur in any skin type. BCC grows slowly and very rarely spreads to other organs, but if left untreated it can grow deeper and damage nearby tissue, including the nose, eyelids or ears.

Signs to look for

BCC can look different from person to person. Common appearances include a shiny, pearly or translucent bump, sometimes with tiny visible blood vessels on its surface; a sore that bleeds, crusts, seems to heal and then returns; a flat, pink or red scaly patch, often on the chest or back; a waxy, scar-like area with poorly defined edges; or, in darker skin, a brown or black pigmented bump that can be mistaken for a mole. A useful rule is that any spot that bleeds without injury or a sore that has not healed within about four weeks should be checked by a doctor.

The skin cancer check and biopsy

At your appointment, Dr. Abdullah Anis asks about the spot's history, your sun exposure and any personal or family history of skin cancer. He examines the lesion closely and, if you wish, other areas of skin for additional suspicious spots. If BCC is suspected, a biopsy under local anaesthetic is usually performed, removing a small sample or the whole lesion for laboratory examination. His fellowship in dermatopathology at St John's Institute of Dermatology in London gives him particular insight into how skin lesions look under the microscope, which helps in interpreting results and planning next steps. Results usually take several days.

Treatment and referral, including Mohs surgery

Treatment depends on the type, size and location of the BCC. Small, low-risk lesions on the body may be treated with surgical excision, curettage, cryotherapy or prescription creams in selected superficial cases. BCCs on the face, especially around the nose, eyes, lips and ears, those with aggressive features under the microscope, or recurrent tumours often benefit from Mohs micrographic surgery, a specialised technique that examines the margins during surgery to remove the cancer while preserving healthy tissue. When this or other specialised surgery is needed, Dr. Abdullah Anis explains the options and arranges referral to an appropriate surgeon, and follows you up afterwards.

Follow-up and prevention

After one BCC, the chance of developing another is higher, so regular skin checks are recommended, often every six to twelve months for the first few years. Learn to check your own skin monthly, including the scalp, ears, back and other hard-to-see areas, using mirrors or a partner's help. Protect your skin with daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied outdoors, plus hats, sunglasses and protective clothing, and avoid the midday sun, which is particularly strong in the UAE. Seek an earlier review if a new spot appears, an existing one changes, or a treated area develops a new bump, crust or sore.

Most skin tags and moles are harmless, but anything changing should be checked before removal. With a background in dermatopathology, our dermatologist assesses lesions before choosing laser, shave or excision.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Abdullah Anis

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.