What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma? Exploring Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Skin Cancer Diagnosis After Surgery

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently shared an important health update. At 58, he revealed on Instagram that he underwent surgery to remove a type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. The cancer was removed from the side of his face, near his ear. 

Recently, he underwent surgery to remove the BCC from the side of his face, near his jawline and ear. He posted photos of his bandage and stitches on Instagram, offered gratitude to the medical team at The Skin Associates, and reminded followers to wear sunscreen. In his classic style, Ramsay joked, “I promise you it’s not a facelift! I’d need a refund.”

 

 

 

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A post shared by Gordon Ramsay (@gordongram)

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Shedding light on the skin issue, Dr DM Mahajan, Senior Dermatologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, explains that Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It most often occurs in the basal cells that regenerate new skin cells when the old ones perish. The cancer usually occurs on areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, ears, shoulders, and scalp.

How does it look? According to Dr Mahajan, BCC can look different on people’s skin.

• These skin changes can vary in shape and colour. 
• They may look like a small bump, often with visible blood vessels. 
• Colours range from brown, pink to black. 
• Over time, this bump may turn into a sore.

Some common symptoms of BCC include:

• Bumps similar to boils, which could rupture.
• Sometimes bleeding off the bump.
• Red spots on the skin, including the chest or the back.

These changes to the skin should not be overlooked. They may be an indication of cancer developing on the skin. Basal cell carcinoma begins at the outer skin layer and in many cases, it grows slowly. Long-term exposure to the UV rays emitted by the sun leads to the destruction of certain skin cells and their uncontrolled proliferation. The bumps can rupture and bleed but they heal with scars. It can take years for BCC to become apparent and is often seen on the face, neck, and nose.

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Treatment options for Basal Cell Carcinoma

The choice of treatment depends on the condition of the individual, the size, type, and location of the cancer. The following are the primary modes of treatment:

• Surgery: Doctors remove the cancerous tissue using surgery. This is the most usual of the treatments.
• Electrodessication: Surgeons anaesthetise the area and get rid of cancer tissue with an electric device. During this procedure, blood loss becomes controlled.
• Other techniques are freezing the lesion (cryosurgery), topical creams, light-based treatments and very uncommonly, chemotherapy.

Why Gordon Ramsay’s message matters

Gordon Ramsay’s recent surgery reminds us of the importance of skin health. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads but can cause harm if untreated. Protecting your skin by using sunscreen and checking it regularly can catch issues early, making treatment easier and successful.

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Conclusion

The way Gordon Ramsay shares the news of his basal cell carcinoma makes everyone think seriously about sun protection. War on the disease: regular skin checks and early treatment make a difference. Being a common cancer, it can be treated, provided that it is early enough, and the people can afford to live healthy and safe under the sun.