Question 1

what is the risk of ignoring basal cell skin cancer and leaving it untreated?

Accepted Answer

Locally bad: Basal cell will get bigger. Get this taken care of now.

Question 2

how long might one have basal cell skin cancer on his face without knowing it?

Accepted Answer

Basal cell cancer: Basal cell cancer, the second most common skin cancer, is very  slow growing. Depending on the location, on how perceptive and how educated one is about these, it  could be there for 1-2 years before drawing attention.

Question 3

for what length of time can you have a basal cell skin cancer on your face without knowing it?

Accepted Answer

Years sometimes: Basal cells start small and some can be very slow growing. Some people get used to them and don't worry unless they bleed or people start asking about them. They know they are there, they just ignore them.

Question 4

is basal cell skin cancer dangerous? ive heard it doesnt spread, so do i need to worry about getting it?

Accepted Answer

See below: Basal cell cancer almost never metastasizes, but untreated, will continue to grow. It is easily treated at an early stage, but if its growth involves vital structures, treatment can be disfiguring. In extreme cases, it can cause death. The moral of the story: as cancers go, it is not bad, but as for all cancers, it should be treated appropriately.

Question 5

am i at a higher risk for melanoma due to basal cell skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Skin cancers are usually due to sun exposure. Having a non-melanoma skin cancer increases the risk of developing melanoma. Here is information from the national cancer institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/melanomarisktool/melanoma-cancer-risk.html.

Question 6

am i at higher risk for melanoma because i had basal cell skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You are more prone to skin cancer and should be checked although the increase in melanomas not statistically dramatic.

Question 7

how fast does basal cell skin cancer spread if the doctors report came back "deep"?

Accepted Answer

Very very slowly: While basal cell carcinoma can metastasize and spread from the skin, it is very unlikely to do so unless they are very big (larger than the size of your fist).  For the most part, bcc are slow growing cancers that can destroy surrounding tissue if neglected.  So if you have been diagnosed with one, i would followup with your dermatologist or mohs surgeon soon to get it treated.

Question 8

what is squamous cell vs basal cell skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Different cell types: Squamous cell carcinomas are worse than basal cell carcinomas.  Squamous cell carcinomas can metastasize where as basal cell carcinomas very rarely do.  Both types occur more in sun exposed areas.

Question 9

what causes pain in the muscle behind a (potential) basal cell skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation: Inflammation is often the cause of pain.  However, when associated with cancer, nerve involvement by tumor needs to be excluded.  See your dermatologist.

Question 10

how do doctors determine if it's eczema or basal cell skin cancer?

Accepted Answer

Ezcema and BCC: Eczema usually involves several parts of the body and is itchy. A basal cell skin cancer is usually one spot. To be sure, see your dermatologist.

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Doctor answers about:

Superficial basal cell skin cancer

A member asked:

What is the risk of ignoring basal cell skin cancer and leaving it untreated?

A member asked:

How long might one have basal cell skin cancer on his face without knowing it?

A member asked:

For what length of time can you have a basal cell skin cancer on your face without knowing it?

A member asked:

Is basal cell skin cancer dangerous? ive heard it doesnt spread, so do i need to worry about getting it?

A member asked:

Am i at a higher risk for melanoma due to basal cell skin cancer?

A member asked:

Am i at higher risk for melanoma because i had basal cell skin cancer?

A member asked:

How fast does basal cell skin cancer spread if the doctors report came back "deep"?

A member asked:

What is squamous cell vs basal cell skin cancer?

A member asked:

What causes pain in the muscle behind a (potential) basal cell skin cancer?

A member asked:

How do doctors determine if it's eczema or basal cell skin cancer?

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