United Kingdom (Great Britain)
A 48-year-old female 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?
4 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Scott Trimasanswered
Facial Plastic Surgery 34 years experience
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.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Teresa Iribarrenanswered
Internal Medicine 33 years experience
It is skin cancer.: Basel cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer. When the lession is removed it is sent to pathology for tissue diagnosis. Once diagnosed as cancer the pathologist assures that the cells surrounding the specimen is free of cancer cells. If it is then it is understood that the cancer has been removed. If it is not clear of cancer cells you will have to go back for further tissue removal.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ally-Khan Somanianswered
Dermatology 20 years experience
See a dermatologist: The best treatment for a biopsy proven basal cell carcinoma (bcc) is to have it surgically removed. However, bccs come in various subtypes from mild to more aggressive, and it it important to choose the best treatment. For areas on the head and neck , and cosmetically sensitive areas see an acms fellowship trained mohs surgeon. Visit http://www.Skincancermohssurgery.Org/ for more information.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Sean Williamsonanswered
Pathology 14 years experience
Basal cell: Basal cell carcinoma is technically a type of skin cancer. However in comparison to melanoma, the more dangerous type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma is almost always easily cured by removing the lump and unlikely to spread.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Patrick Linson commented
Radiation Oncology 25 years experience
In those patients who are not candidates for surgery or who want to avoid a surgical scar a good alternative to surgery is radiation therapy.
Oct 2, 2015
Last updated Nov 27, 2017
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