Question 1

my path results came back from a lump i had removed saying i had basal cell carcinoma, does this mean i have skin cancer or just the lump is cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Basal cell carcinoma: The lump you are referring to is a type of skin cancer. The good news is that it is very slow growing, normally does not spread and is easily curable with a simple surgical procedure.

Question 2

can you please explain why basal cell carcinoma is the least invasive of all cancers?

Accepted Answer

No metastasis: Basal cell carcinoma does not spread systemically.  It only spreads locally and damages adjacent tissues.  Therefor is much less invasive than other type of cancers and if removed early when small, it can completely removed without any change in life expectancy.

Question 3

what does brisk lymphocytic infiltrate mean in relation to a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Cancer recognition: A "brisk lymphocytic infiltrate" with bcc is usually a sign that the body has recognized there is cancer in the cells where the infiltrate is found.  However, "brisk lymphocytic infiltrate" is not usually a finding on pathology of a basal cell carcinoma.  It is more often seen and noted in melanomas.  I would discuss this with your doctor for more precise clarification.

Question 4

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.

Question 5

how long can i wait to have my basal cell carcinoma treated?

Accepted Answer

Sooner the Better: Once the diagnosis of basal cell cancer has been made, it’s time to plan to get it treated. Although bcca is one of the most “benign” of all cancers, it will continue to grow and become a bigger and bigger problem the longer you wait. So talk with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon within the next couple of weeks to plan out a strategy to treat your basal cell carcinoma.

Question 6

how come i have basal cell carcinoma, but nobody else in the family has it?

Accepted Answer

Not familial: In general, basal cell carcinoma is not a genetically transmitted.  It is mostly due to excessive sun exposure of the skin and cancerous transformation of damaged cells.  It takes years to manifest itself and slow growing in general.  Nevertheless, the less pigmentation in the skin, the more you are prone to get basal cell cancer.  Sun protection is your best defense against it.

Question 7

i am worried about basal cell carcinoma of the skin?

Accepted Answer

Stay out of sun!: Or use a sunscreen with an spf over 15 always! the ultraviolet damage is cumulative, so the damage to your exposed skin lasts a lifetime--look at the neckline area compared to the covered breast skin in an older man or woman! if you have a bcc it must be removed, but rarely spreads or kills (unless irritated or ignored). See a plastic surgeon, not a non-surgeon.

Question 8

what happens if i have a basal cell carcinoma on my foot?

Accepted Answer

Bcc anywhere: Basal cell carcinomas may occur any where but are more common in locations that are exposed to the sun.

Question 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

What does invasive basal cell carcinoma mean

A member asked:

My path results came back from a lump i had removed saying i had basal cell carcinoma, does this mean i have skin cancer or just the lump is cancerous?

A member asked:

Can you please explain why basal cell carcinoma is the least invasive of all cancers?

A member asked:

What does brisk lymphocytic infiltrate mean in relation to a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma?

A member asked:

How can i treat basal cell carcinoma?

A member asked:

How long can i wait to have my basal cell carcinoma treated?

A member asked:

How come i have basal cell carcinoma, but nobody else in the family has it?

A member asked:

I am worried about basal cell carcinoma of the skin?

A member asked:

What happens if i have a basal cell carcinoma on my foot?

A member asked:

What is basal cell carcinoma?

A member asked:

Is basal cell carcinoma serious?

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