It depends. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), when left untreated, can grow in size and spread locally. If a BCC is located in an area where it is likely to cause cosmetic concerns or functional impairment, or if the lesion is large and deep, it should not be left untreated.
However, if the lesion is small and superficial, then it can often be left alone and monitored. If there appears to be any change in its appearance or size, then a differential diagnosis and further evaluation by a specialist should be considered.
In general, it is advised to have a BCC evaluated by a doctor if it meets any of the following criteria:
– It is bleeding or oozing.
– It has an irregular border or multiple colors.
– It is large in size, or is growing in size.
– It is located on or close to the eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals.
– It is located in areas where it is likely to cause cosmetic concerns or functional impairment.
Ultimately, the decision to leave a BCC alone or have it evaluated should be made on a case-by-case basis, in conjunction with a healthcare professional.
What happens if you don’t remove a basal cell carcinoma?
If a basal cell carcinoma is not removed promptly, it can result in serious complications and potentially life-threatening conditions. The longer the cancer remains untreated, the higher the risk of metastasis, or cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
As a result, there is a high likelihood of tissue destruction, ulceration, and nerve damage. With untreated basal cell carcinoma, the tumor can penetrate deep into surrounding tissues and organs, as well as extend to distant parts of the body, resulting in disfigurement, permanent scarring, and potentially fatal consequences.
Treatment is essential to getting rid of the cancer and to help prevent recurrence or spread of the disease. Without treatment or removal, the cancer will continue to grow, slowly destroying surrounding tissue and presenting the risk of disfigurement and other potentially life-threatening complications.
Is it really necessary to remove basal cell carcinoma?
Yes, it is really necessary to remove basal cell carcinoma. While basal cell carcinoma is a relatively common and non-aggressive form of skin cancer, they can cause tissue damage, disfigurement, and can even spread in rare cases.
In addition, treatments for more advanced cases of this type of cancer can be expensive. By having it removed early on, patients can reduce their risk of further health complications and avoid unnecessary expenses down the road.
Surgery is the most common way to remove basal cell carcinoma, though other treatments such as cryotherapy and radiation therapy are also available. Patients should consult their doctor to determine the best option for their individual situation.
Can you live with untreated basal cell carcinoma?
No, you cannot live with untreated basal cell carcinoma. While basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a slow-growing skin cancer and is usually not considered to be life-threatening, it can cause disfigurement, scarring, and pain if left untreated.
Neglecting BCC can also cause it to spread to other parts of the body and lead to more serious health problems. It is important to seek medical care as soon as possible if signs of BCC appear, such as waxy bumps or scaly areas on the skin.
Early detection and treatment is the best way to reduce the risk of further health issues. Even if the growth appears to be harmless, seeking medical attention is the best way to ensure it does not become a more serious concern.
How long can basal skin cancer go untreated?
Basal cell carcinoma- the most common form of skin cancer- can go untreated for a very long time. However, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, basal cell carcinoma can keep spreading and invading surrounding tissues, leading to serious problems.
If left untreated, it is possible for basal cell carcinoma to grow for many years. In some rare cases, untreated basal cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body or cause damage to important nerves and muscles.
It can also lead to disfigurement of the affected area. Therefore, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and to find out the right treatment option as soon as symptoms are noticed. It’s also a good idea to have regular checkups with a dermatologist to ensure that any changes in skin growths or moles are monitored.
Does basal cell carcinoma grow deep?
Yes, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) does have the potential to grow deep and become invasive. BCCs are the most common type of skin cancer, and they generally grow slowly. They are typically found on areas of the body that are more exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck, but they can also occur in other areas.
BCC grows in the top layer of skin, which is known as the epidermis. It is most likely to stay in this area and can be treated with surgical excision. However, it has the potential to spread more deeply and become invasive if it is left untreated.
When this happens, it can spread to larger areas of the skin, the underlying fat and muscle, and other parts of the body.
If BCC is allowed to grow too deep, or is not treated correctly, it can become more challenging to treat. It is important to seek medical advice if you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, such as an area that does not heal, or a bump that is growing.
Treatment may include surgical excision, radiation, or topical medications.
What is the life expectancy of someone with basal cell carcinoma?
The life expectancy of someone with basal cell carcinoma will depend on a variety of factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the location of the tumor, and the person’s overall health. On average, the life expectancy of someone with basal cell carcinoma is generally quite long and is not considered life threatening.
Most cases of basal cell carcinoma are successfully treated and cured, with a survival rate of over 95%.
If the cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100%. Even if the cancer is advanced, the overall survival rate is still very good at over 80%. However, in some cases, the tumor may spread to other tissues or organs and be harder to treat; if this happens, then the life expectancy may be reduced.
Overall, the prognosis is quite good for most people with basal cell carcinoma and treatment can result in complete remission and a long and healthy life ahead.
How soon should a basal cell carcinoma be removed?
Basal cell carcinomas should be removed as soon as they are diagnosed. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and is usually small and slow-growing. It can grow in size over time, so it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment for basal cell carcinoma typically involves surgical removal of the cancerous cells. This is often done with a local anesthetic, depending on the size and location of the tumor. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you, but if the cancer is caught early, the removal should be done as soon as possible.
Is basal cell Mohs surgery necessary?
Basal cell Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and is recommended for many patients. It has the highest cure rate of any BCC therapy, and the highest tissue conservation rate.
This type of surgery involves first removing the visible BCC, then microscopically evaluating a thin layer of tissue beneath the surface to make sure all of the cancer has been removed. If residual cancer cells are found, they are marked, and an additional thin layer is removed and examined.
This process is repeated until all cancer cells have been removed. While this surgery may be the best approach for treating BCCs, it is not always necessary. The ultimate decision to pursue Mohs or another treatment option will depend on the size, location and aggressiveness of the tumor.
Some doctors may suggest a less-involved treatment for relatively small, superficial tumors, such as cryosurgery, topical medications, photodynamic therapy, or simple excision.
What is an alternative to Mohs surgery for basal cell?
One alternative to Mohs surgery for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a light activated chemical. This chemical is applied to the area on the skin where the BCC is located.
Then, a laser light is used to activate the chemical to perform a reaction that causes damage to the cancerous tissue. As it does not involve the removal of a significant portion of the skin, PDT can be less invasive than Mohs surgery and may have a shorter recovery period.
However, it is important to note that Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice used to ensure the highest chance of eliminating the cancer in one treatment. Additionally, it is not used to treat some types of BCC.
For these complex cases, Mohs surgery is often the only option available. Ultimately, the appropriate treatment path should be discussed with a dermatologist.
How long does it take for basal cell carcinoma to spread?
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, and it typically does not spread to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can grow and spread to nearby skin, tissue, and bone.
The exact amount of time it takes for BCC to spread is difficult to determine as it can depend on the specific characteristics of the cancer, such as size, location, and other factors. In general, the longer the delay in treatment, the more likely it is that the cancer will spread to other parts of the body.
Studies suggest that untreated BCC may spread outwards, at a rate of 2-4 millimeters per month, with the rate of spread increases over time. This means that it would take an average of one to two years for BCC to spread over a larger area.
It is important to note that BCC tumors can grow faster in certain areas, such as the face, and can spread more quickly.
It is vital to seek medical advice and start treatment early if it is suspected that a person has BCC. Early treatment can help prevent further growth of the cancer, and reduce the risk of it spreading to other parts of the body.
Does basal cell skin cancer have to be removed?
Yes, basal cell skin cancer must be removed. It is the most common type of skin cancer and can be effectively treated when found early. If left untreated, basal cell skin cancer can grow, invade surrounding tissue and cause severe damage or disfigurement.
Removing the cancerous cells is the only way to protect against these potential risks. Depending on the extent of the cancer, your doctor may recommend one of several different treatments. This may include surgical excision, cryotherapy, laser therapy or topical medications.
In some cases, radiation therapy may be recommended.
It is important to discuss all available treatments and their risks and benefits with your doctor before making a decision. Additional follow ups may be needed after treatment to ensure that all cancerous cells have been removed and the cancer does not return.
How do you know if basal cell skin cancer has spread?
The spread of basal cell skin cancer (BCC) may not be detectable in the early stages. Without treatment, BCC can eventually spread beyond the original tumor site. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of spread include location (invasive tumors on the head and neck are more likely to spread than tumors on other parts of the body), tumor size, and family history.
In order to determine if BCC has spread beyond the primary tumor, your doctor will evaluate several factors, including the depth of the tumor and how far it has penetrated various tissue layers. Your doctor may look for tell-tale signs, such as ulcers, bleeding, localized tissue edema, or unusual sensations.
In some cases, your doctor may order imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRI scans, to assess the extent of the cancer.
Your doctor may order a biopsy or use a specialized technique called electronic microscopy to assess if the tumor has invaded or infiltrated surrounding tissues. If the cancer has spread, your doctor may be able to detect tumor cells in nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.
If that happens, your doctor may decide to perform a more extensive workup to look for signs and symptoms of cancer spread, such as PET scans or a bone scan.
Any changes in the primary tumor site, such as the appearance of new lesions, may also indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the initial tumor site. Your doctor will follow your condition closely in order to determine if BCC has spread and the best course of treatment.
