Question 1

how frequently does basal cell carcinoma cause death?

Accepted Answer

Uncommon: This is a cancer that usually is cured with surgery. Most of the cases are well localized. Death is very rare.

Question 2

can you tell me how fast does basal cell carcinoma spread if the doctors report came back "deep"?

Accepted Answer

Not a good idea: To delay treatment. Basal cell carcinoma spreads slowly but it can destroy tissues in the vicinity and treatment should not be delayed.

Question 3

does basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasize?

Accepted Answer

Very very rarely: Basal cell carcinomas of the skin almost never metastasize.

Question 4

why does basal cell carcinoma have better prognosis than malignant melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Ability to travel: Basal cell carcinoma usually is limited to the site of disease. While it is possible for basal cell to metastasize it is very rare. In contrast melanoma travels through the lymphatic system and can form tumors in any location of the body.

Question 5

what is basal cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

See comment: It is a skin cancer that could be easily cured with early diagnoses abd treatment

Question 6

is basal cell carcinoma serious?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer which is not malignant in the sense it will not spread to distant parts of the body and threaten life the way that other cancers can.  It is still a cancer though and since it tends to affect the face it can grow into cosmetically sensitive areas and near nerves.  It sometimes needs more complicated surgery to remove given the location on the face.

Question 7

what causes basal cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Basal cell: Years of sun damage or exposure to radiation treatment or arsenic.

Question 8

can basal cell carcinoma be cured?

Accepted Answer

Basal Cell Carcinoma: As close to 100% yes as one can be.  Of all the skin cancers bcc's are the most common and the one to have if you really had to pick a skin cancer to have.  While there are very rare instances of metastatic bcc they are just that, by far the exception.  However, if left untreated bccs can be very distractive locally.  That's about as good an answer i can provide in the space given.

Question 9

what exactly is basal cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Slow but must treat: These begin as little ulcers or nodules, often on the face and with easy-to-see vessels.  They are best removed surgically; though they seldom spread to remote sites, they can destroy the face and invade the brain if they are ignored.  Today's surgery leaves minimal scarring.

Question 10

how can i treat basal cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Most basal cell are treated surgically by curettage, excision or mohs surgery. For superficial basal cells in very sick elderly topical medications can be used. In very difficult location radiation is use on occasion. For people with multiple basal cells or who can tolerate surgery there is a new fda approved medication which is very expensive.

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