Basal cell skin cancer(basal cell carcinoma) is usually treatable and can even be curable.
If its not treated, basal cell skin carcinoma can cause disfigurement and other complications.
Most of the time, removing basal cell skin cancer is the only treatment needed.
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It is unusual for basal cell carcinoma to cause death.
Approximately 2,000 people in the United States die each year from basal and squamous skin cancers.
This article will go over how serious basal cell skin cancer is and what can happen if its untreated.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The cells in the bottom layer are the basal cells.
Basal cells consistently divide to make new cells to replace squamous cells.
As they do, they push old cells toward the skin’s surface where they die and slough off.
Cancers that start in the bottom/basal layer of skin cells are called basal cell carcinomas.
Basal cell carcinoma is usually triggered by damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
This is most commonly from exposure to the sun or tanning beds.
UV radiation can damage basal cells and cause them to change and grow uncontrollably.
What Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
Basal cell carcinoma can look different from person to person.
The sores can ooze, crust, or bleed.
Basal cell carcinomas grow very slowly.
If you have one key in, it increases your risk of getting another.
However, basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
What Happens If Basal Cell Carcinoma is Untreated?
Untreated basal cell carcinoma can spread across the skin tissue and may lead to disfigurement.
Staging is only needed if the cancer is very large or has spread.
Providers use staging to determine how severe the cancer is and how to treat it.
Even though basal cell carcinoma is common, its very rare for the cancer to spread (metastasize).
Studies have shown that less than 0.5% of basal cell carcinomas are metastatic.
Can Basal Cell Carcinoma Be Cured?
Treatment varies depending on the subtype, staging, and location of the basal skin cancer.
Surgery is often the first method of treatment.
These include:
In some cases, basal skin cancer can come back (recur).
Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable when its caught early.
Summary
Basal cell carcinoma can look different from one person to another.
Basal cell skin cancer has excellent survival rates when it is treated early.
Regularly checking your skin will help you catch changes early.
The best way to lower your risk of developing basal cell skin cancer is through prevention.
Protect yourself from harmful UV rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, and clothing as much as possible.
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