What is considered a large BCC?

A size larger than 3 cm has been described as a high-risk feature [13]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this risk factor has been more accurately defined as 1 cm for head and neck tumors and more than 2 cm in other body areas [11].

What is considered a large basal cell?

Stage 2 basal cell carcinoma – These cancers are larger than 2 centimeters, and while they have not spread to other organs or lymph nodes, they have two or more factors that make them likely to return or spread.

What does a large basal cell carcinoma look like?

What does BCC look like? BCCs can look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, scars or growths with slightly elevated, rolled edges and/or a central indentation. At times, BCCs may ooze, crust, itch or bleed. The lesions commonly arise in sun-exposed areas of the body.

What is giant basal cell carcinoma?

Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a rare skin cancer characterized by an aggressive biological behavior with extensive local invasion, frequent metastasis, and associated poor prognosis.

What size is a large squamous cell carcinoma?

Five-year recurrence of cutaneous SCC varies depending on tumor size. It reaches approximately 8% and 15% with small (diameter <2 cm) and large (diameter >2 cm) tumors, respectively [12,13,14].

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

Does basal cell carcinoma grow deep?

Basal cell carcinoma spreads very slowly and very rarely will metastasize, Dr. Christensen says. But if it's not treated, basal cell carcinoma can continue to grow deeper under the skin and cause significant destruction to surrounding tissues.

How long does basal cell carcinoma take 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 long can basal cell carcinoma go untreated?

This type of skin cancer is one of the most aggressive -- it spreads at an alarming rate throughout the body. In as little as six weeks, melanoma could threaten your life because it has spread from your skin to other organs and tissues throughout your body.

Can basal cell ulcerate?

Basal cell carcinomas may be plaque-like or nodular with a waxy, translucent appearance, often with ulceration and telangiectasia.

What is considered advanced basal cell carcinoma?

Advanced basal cell carcinoma is a more complex type of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) -- the most common kind of skin cancer. You usually get it from lots of unprotected sun exposure. But environmental and lifestyle factors, certain medication, and your genes can play a role. A doctor can help you find the best treatment.

What does advanced basal cell carcinoma look like?

A rough patch of skin, usually in a sun-exposed area. A reddish area that may hurt or itch. A shiny bump that's clear, reddish, or white. A flat white, yellow, or “waxy” area that looks like a scar.

What is Stage 4 basal cell carcinoma?

Stage 4. The cancer can be any size and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. It has also spread to areas outside the skin, such as to distant organs like the brain or lungs, or has invaded the skeleton (axial or appendicular) or perineural invasion of skull base.

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 are the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma?

How can you tell if basal cell carcinoma has spread?

Ask your doctor if your lymph nodes will be tested. Basal and squamous cell cancers don't often spread to other parts of the body. But if your doctor thinks your skin cancer might spread, you might need imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans.

Can basal cell carcinoma make you tired?

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

Which of the following is the most common place for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma occurs most often on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck.

What are the three types of basal cell carcinoma?

There are four main clinical variants of basal cell carcinoma. These are nodular, superficial spreading, sclerosing and pigmented basal cell carcinomas.

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

However, left untreated, BCCs can grow deeper into the skin and damage surrounding skin, tissue, and bone. Occasionally, a BCC can become aggressive, spreading to other parts of the body and even becoming life threatening.

What happens if you let basal cell carcinoma go?

Leaving Basal Cell Carcinoma Untreated

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. Depending on how long the basal cell carcinoma has been present, radiotherapy may be required.

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.

How big is a 2 centimeter tumor?

The smallest lesion that can be felt by hand is typically 1.5 to 2 centimeters (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch) in diameter. Sometimes tumors that are 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) — or even larger — can be found in the breast.

Can basal cell carcinoma affect eyesight?

While BCCs rarely spread to the lymph nodes or beyond, they can grow large enough to cause disfigurement around your eyes. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) account for a small percentage of eyelid cancers. This type has a higher chance of spreading and, in a small number of cases, may become life-threatening.

What is the most common treatment for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is most often treated with surgery to remove all of the cancer and some of the healthy tissue around it. Options might include: Surgical excision. In this procedure, your doctor cuts out the cancerous lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy skin.

How deep do they cut for basal cell carcinoma?

Superficial BCC mean depths ranged from 0.17 mm on the cheek to 0.40 mm on the foot. Combined superficial and nodular BCC subtype depths ranged from 0.63 mm on the thigh to 1.50 mm on the lip. Nodular BCC depths ranged from 1.36 mm on the eyelid to 1.98 mm on the hand.