Should I worry if I have basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that grows on parts of your skin that get a lot of sun. It's natural to feel worried when your doctor tells you that you have it, but keep in mind that it's the least risky type of skin cancer. As long as you catch it early, you can be cured.

What happens if you don't treat a basal cell carcinoma?

Without treatment, a basal cell carcinoma could grow -- slowly -- to encompass a large area of skin on your body. In addition, basal cell carcinoma has the potential to cause ulcers and permanently damage the skin and surrounding tissues.

How long does it take for basal cell carcinoma to spread?

The tumors enlarge very slowly, sometimes so slowly that they go unnoticed as new growths. However, the growth rate varies greatly from tumor to tumor, with some growing as much as ½ inch (about 1 centimeter) in a year. Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

How serious is basal cell skin cancer?

Basal cell cancer is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for nearly 80% of all skin cancers. Basal cell cancers arise from abnormal basal cells in the skin. It is rarely fatal, but it can be locally aggressive.

Can you live with untreated basal cell carcinoma?

Leaving Basal Cell Carcinoma Untreated

While death is a rare consequence there is the potential for disfigurement. Over time basal cell carcinoma can expand and cause ulcers and damage the skin and tissues. Any damage could be permanent and have an impact on the way you look.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) | Skin Cancer | Dermatology for Patients

What are the chances of dying from basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell and squamous cell survival rates

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for basal cell carcinoma is 100 percent. The five-year survival rate for squamous cell carcinoma is 95 percent.

What are the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma?

What is the average size of a basal cell carcinoma?

Average diameter of lesions was 12.2 mm; the biggest lesion measured 5.3 cm, the smallest 0.2 cm. Margins taken were 3 to 5 mm on cervico-facial area, 2-3 mm on noble areas as lips, ears, and eyelid and 5 to 10 mm on other areas.

Do all basal cells need to be removed?

Excision might be recommended for basal cell carcinomas that are less likely to recur, such as those that form on the chest, back, hands and feet. Mohs surgery. During Mohs surgery, your doctor removes the cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under the microscope until no abnormal cells remain.

Do you feel sick if you have skin cancer?

You can feel well and still have skin cancer

They don't feel ill. The only difference they notice is the suspicious-looking spot. That spot doesn't have to itch, bleed, or feel painful. Although, skin cancer sometimes does.

Is BCC slow growing?

Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the United States and is the most common of all cancers. Typically, it is a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body.

Does basal cell carcinoma get bigger?

Basal cell carcinoma

The lump slowly gets bigger and may become crusty, bleed or develop into a painless ulcer. Basal cell carcinoma does not usually spread to other parts of the body.

Does basal cell carcinoma increase risk for other cancers?

People who develop abnormally frequent cases of a skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma appear to be at significantly increased risk for developing of other cancers, including blood, breast, colon and prostate cancers, according to a preliminary study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Is Mohs surgery serious?

Mohs surgery is generally considered very safe, but there are some risks: Bleeding from the site of surgery. Bleeding into the wound (hematoma) from surrounding tissue. Pain or tenderness in the area where skin was removed.

Do I really need Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery is not necessary for all skin cancers, but it is useful when: The location of the skin cancer is near areas that are important for daily activities, like the fingers, or for appearance, like the nose; Earlier treatments have not worked; A tumor is large; and.

What is the prognosis for basal cell carcinoma?

The prognosis for patients with BCC is excellent, with a 100% survival rate for cases that have not spread to other sites. Nevertheless, if BCC is allowed to progress, it can result in significant morbidity, and cosmetic disfigurement is not uncommon.

How long does it take to recover from basal cell carcinoma surgery?

The wound may take 3 to 6 weeks to heal. How long it takes depends on the size of the area treated. Good wound care may help the scar fade with time.

Can basal cell carcinoma make you feel tired?

Side effects may include muscle cramps, hair loss, weight loss, fatigue and loss of sense of taste.

Are BCC fast growing?

Stages of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal Cell Carcinomas are usually slow growing, occasionally BCCs grow in subtle ways and may be quite extensive and advanced by the time of diagnosis. Some BCC's are aggressive and can grow and spread (metastasise) quickly.

How quickly can a basal cell carcinoma appear?

The cancer is the result of cumulative damage of years spent in the sun, and may take 20 years to manifest. Although it's often more common in older people, it can occur in younger adults, too. Basal cell carcinoma spreads very slowly and very rarely will metastasize, Dr. Christensen says.

Is BCC a big deal?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, with more than 3.6 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. BCC almost never spreads beyond the original tumor site though, and the cure rate after excisional surgery is above 95 percent in most body areas.

Can basal cell carcinoma turn into melanoma?

Basal cell carcinoma does not progress into melanoma. Each is a separate and distinct type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and one of two major nonmelanoma skin cancer types (the other is squamous cell carcinoma).

Is basal cell carcinoma malignant or benign?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is most often a benign form of skin cancer caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. However, it's the most frequently occurring form of all skin cancers, with more than 3 million people developing BCC in the U.S. every year.

Is basal carcinoma itchy?

Basal cell carcinomas

Raised reddish patches that might be itchy. Small, pink or red, translucent, shiny, pearly bumps, which might have blue, brown, or black areas.

What is more serious basal cell or squamous cell?

Though not as common as basal cell (about one million new cases a year), squamous cell is more serious because it is likely to spread (metastasize). Treated early, the cure rate is over 90%, but metastases occur in 1%–5% of cases. After it has metastasized, it's very difficult to treat.