How likely is basal cell carcinoma back?

The 5-year recurrence rate is about 5%, but it depends on the histologic subtype and type of treatment; the recurrence rate is less than 1% for primary (previously untreated) BCCs treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.

What did your basal cell carcinoma look like?

At first, a basal cell carcinoma comes up like a small “pearly” bump that looks like a flesh-colored mole or a pimple that doesn’t go away. Sometimes these growths can look dark. Or you may also see shiny pink or red patches that are slightly scaly. Another symptom to watch out for is a waxy, hard skin growth.

What does aggressive 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.

Can you get basal cell carcinoma on your back?

Nearly 90% of basal cell carcinomas occur on the face, but they can appear on any part of the body that is sometimes exposed to the sun—the face, ears, neck, back, chest, arms, and legs.

What happens if basal cell goes untreated?

Untreated basal cell carcinoma can spread, in rare instances, to the muscles, nerves, bones, and brain. In rare cases, it can result in death. People with one basal cell carcinoma are at risk for recurrence and the development of future skin cancers.

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

Depending upon the size, may take up to 4 to 6 weeks for the wound to heal completely, but infection, bleeding and pain are uncommon. Close the wound with sutures (stitches).

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.

What happens if basal cell carcinoma is left untreated?

How do they cut out basal cell carcinoma?

Treatment

1. Surgical excision. In this procedure, your doctor cuts out the cancerous lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy skin.
2. Mohs surgery. During Mohs surgery, your doctor removes the cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under the microscope until no abnormal cells remain.

What is the procedure to remove a basal cell carcinoma?

Curettage and electrodesiccation: This is a common treatment for small basal cell carcinomas. It might need to be repeated to help make sure all of the cancer has been removed. Excision: Excision (cutting the tumor out) is often used to remove basal cell carcinomas, along with a margin of normal skin.

What happens if you don’t remove basal cell carcinoma?

If left untreated, basal cell carcinomas can become quite large, cause disfigurement, and in rare cases, spread to other parts of the body and cause death. Your skin covers your body and protects it from the environment.