What happens if basal cell is left untreated

Tissue samples are then removed one by one, each sample mapped and then examined to see if any traces of cancer yet remain. This precision produces high cure rates and preserves the maximum amount of healthy tissue. Patients should also consider Mohs surgery when a BCC has recurred or has an aggressive growth pattern or poorly defined borders.

Mohs surgery is a first-line choice for many BCC patients, but discuss treatment options with your dermatologist. Sign up for e-newsletter. Some basal cell carcinomas may bleed, ooze, or crust. Basal cell carcinomas are a slow growing type of skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancer tends to invade and spread across skin tissue. They may grow very large and cause disfigurement if untreated.

Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to distant organs. In rare cases, it may spread to muscles, bones, nerve tissue, the brain, and cause death. You should contact your doctor if you notice a change in the color, texture, or appearance of your skin or if you have a sore that does not heal. Your doctor can diagnose basal cell carcinoma by examining the growth and performing a biopsy of the suspected area.

A biopsy is a simple procedure that takes tissue for examination. There are a few types of biopsy methods. After numbing your skin, your doctor may perform a shave, punch, incisional, or excisional biopsy. A shave biopsy removes the top layers of the skin.

A punch biopsy uses a round punch to cut through all of the layers of skin to remove a tissue plug. An incisional biopsy removes a part of the tumor, and an excisional biopsy removes all of the tumor. In some cases, the incisions will be stitched. The tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for examination. Request to have your tissue sample examined by a dermapathologist.

A dermapathologist is a pathologist with special training in skin disorders. The dermapathologist will determine if your tissue sample contains basal cell carcinoma and the type of basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer is classified based on how far it has spread, although it is not common for basal cell carcinoma to spread to other parts of the body.

Stages are classified as , with 4 being a more serious cancer. There is more than one type of staging system, so make sure that you and your doctor are referring to the same one.

Basal cell carcinoma is a very treatable type of cancer. In some cases, a biopsy can remove all of the cancerous tissue. If you need treatment, your doctor will discuss your options with you. In many cases, basal cell carcinoma can be completely cured with fairly minor procedures.

The goal of treatment is to remove all of the cancer cells. There are several treatments for basal cell carcinoma. The treatment that you receive depends on the size, location, and extent of your cancer.

A simple excision is a method that cuts out the tumor and some healthy cells around it. The incision is stitched back together. Cryosurgery is a treatment method that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells. A specialized technique, Mohs micrographically controlled surgery, is used to treat large skin cancers or skin cancers that have come back. For Mohs surgery, the doctor removes a layer of skin containing the basal carcinoma cells and examines it under a microscope right away.

The process is repeated until the skin samples are found to be free of cancer cells. The advantages of Mohs surgery are that only the minimum amount of tissue necessary is removed and the specimens are carefully examined. Mohs surgery is associated with a high cure rate for basal cell carcinoma.

Skin grafting and reconstructive surgery may be necessary after the removal of large basal cell carcinomas. Scarring after skin cancer removal is common. Cosmetic surgery techniques can improve the appearance of scars. Some people choose to cover their scars with make-up. Researchers are studying medicated lotions as a treatment option to surgery to reduce scars and disfigurement. You should perform a full body skin and mole inspection monthly. It may be helpful to use a mirror or have someone else look at areas of your skin that are difficult for you to see.

Promptly report any suspicious moles or areas of skin to your doctor. It is important to have your doctor perform regularly scheduled full body skin and mole checks. You should make and attend all of your follow up appointments. You may be able to prevent skin cancer by limiting the amount of time that you are exposed to the sun. Anyone that is exposed to the sun should wear a sunblock that blocks both UV A and B sunrays. A sunscreen is a different product.

Sunscreens allow you to spend a longer amount of time in the sun without burning than you could if you were not wearing sunscreen. An SPF of 15 provides protection from burning for minutes. Sunscreens may reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, but it is not a guarantee.

If you are in the sun for a long time, even with sunscreen, you are at risk for developing skin cancer. Sunscreen may reduce your risk of developing some skin cancer and precancerous conditions, but researchers have not proven that sunscreen prevents basal cell carcinoma.

It is important to discard old sunblock and sunscreen. They can also manifest as shiny red or pink patches that feel slightly scaly. They are fragile and can bleed easily. Some appear to be dark against the surrounding skin, while others will break down and create a sore or ulcer on the skin.

If Dr. Mamelak suspects his patients have a basal cell carcinoma, he often does a biopsy on the growth to see if cancer cells are present.

Mamelak also asks his patients a number of questions about their potential risk factors , including how often they are out in the sun, whether or not they use a tanning bed , and what kind of sunblock they use, if any. Although a basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads, it is possible if it is left untreated. In actuality, destruction of surrounding skin and tissues is much more common with basal cell carcinoma. In this way, the cancer can spread to the muscle and bone, causing further damage that has to be dealt with.

If an open sore or ulcer develops, patients can also be at risk for infections and other complications. Since dealing with a basal cell carcinoma is a relatively easy procedure, that leaves a minimal of scaring, it is recommended that it be dealt with immediately upon diagnosis. Adam Mamelak is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and treats patients with basal cell carcinoma and other forms of skin cancer at Sanova Dermatology and the Austin Mohs Surgery Center.

For more information about skin cancer and treatment options, please contact us. To schedule your appointment, please select an available appointment time below. If you desire an earlier appointment , please call our office at and we will do our best to accommodate you sooner.