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

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.

Different cancers: Basal cell carcinomas are slow growing, they rarely spread or metastasize . However if left untreated can cause a lot of tissue damage over time. In contrast, melanoma can grow very rapidly, and if not detected and/or surgically removed early grow deep and can readily metastasize. Visit www.Skincancer.Org for descriptions, photos and trusted info on skin cancers from the skin cancer foundation.

No metastasis: Melanoma spreads quickly in the body and consequently has a high mortality. Therefor early diagnosis is essential. Basal cell does not spread into the body and only grows slowly by local invasion so the danger is locally. Although in the facial area it can spread deep into the nasal cavity or the brain area by local invasion. For all cancers early diagnosis is essential.