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 answers11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Trimas
Facial Plastic Surgery 35 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Teresa Iribarren
Internal Medicine 34 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ally-Khan Somani
Dermatology 21 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Sean Williamson
Pathology 15 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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Patrick Linson
Radiation Oncology 26 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

Related questions

A 44-year-old member asked:
Is there a good cure for basal cell carcinoma skin cancer?
2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
A 42-year-old member asked:
What can you tell me about basal cell carcinoma and squamous skin cancer (basosquamous)?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
A 48-year-old member asked:
How do doctors determine if it's eczema or basal cell skin cancer?
2 doctor answers5 doctors weighed in
Last updated Nov 27, 2017

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.