Superficial basal cell carcinoma
Right Decision Service: Dermatology - Basal Cell Carcinoma
Treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma
Imiquimod
Aldara 5% cream 250mg sachets
Apply cream for 6 weeks, 5 times per week (example: Monday to Friday) prior to normal sleeping hours, and leave on the skin for approximately 8 hours.
Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil 5% cream
See BNF for dose.
Prescribing Notes:
- For more information, see Right Decision Service: Dermatology - Basal Cell Carcinoma.
- Imiquimod cream 5% may be prescribed by dermatologists for the topical treatment of small superficial basal cell carcinoma in adults in whom standard treatment with surgery or cryotherapy is contraindicated.
History Notes
13/08/2025
Efudix (Fluorouracil) 5% cream debranded to Fluorouracil 5% cream, ERWG August 2025.
15/12/2021
East Region Formulary content agreed.