A member asked:
Can basal cell carcinoma be cured?
3 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in
Dr. Donald Shenenbergeranswered
Dermatology 27 years experience
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.
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6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Joseph Eastern commented
Dermatology 46 years experience
He meant "destructive", but I agree completely; BCC is probably the most curable form of cancer.
Mar 2, 2012
Dr. Donald Shenenberger commented
Dermatology 27 years experience
Provided original answer
Thank you, I blame autocorrect. I did mean "destructive".
Mar 3, 2012
Dr. Cheryl Levinanswered
Dermatology 18 years experience
Vast Majority: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, but it accounts for less than 0.1% of patient deaths due to cancer. However, you want to treat it early to prevent significant cosmetic deformities.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Hoffmannanswered
Plastic Surgery 40 years experience
Absolutely: The vast majority of basal cell cancers can be cured with surgical removal. Of course, the earlier it is treated then better. Isome times a special technique called mohs surgery will be advised. N some cases other treatments such as radiation may be advised as well. See a dermatologist for treatment advice.
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5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
What exactly is basal cell carcinoma?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
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.
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5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Thompson commented
Hematology and Oncology 22 years experience
Agree, but for locally advanced or metastatic BCC a new drug has recently been approved -- vismodegib (Erivedge, Genentech)
Jul 11, 2012
A 30-year-old member asked:
What are the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bryan McIntoshanswered
Plastic Surgery 21 years experience
Raised skin lesion: Usually basal cell carcinoma presents as a relatively small, round, raised, pearly skin lesion. It can be smooth or have a small central depression. There may be a purplish or reddish color to the lesion. Usually it is isolated and single and quite slow to grow. There is rarely any pain or itching or any other sign that there is a problem. Of all skin cancers, basal cell is the least aggressive.
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5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What causes basal cell carcinoma?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Peppercornanswered
Dermatology 45 years experience
Basal cell: Years of sun damage or exposure to radiation treatment or arsenic.
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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
What is basal cell carcinoma and how is it treated?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jay Bradleyanswered
Cornea, Cataract, & Refractive (LASIK & PRK) Surgery 20 years experience
Basal cell carcinoma: This is a type of cancer which commonly occurs in the skin. It is treated with excisional biopsy in most cases. See your doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
How is basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jay Bradleyanswered
Cornea, Cataract, & Refractive (LASIK & PRK) Surgery 20 years experience
Basal cell carcinoma: This type of tumor is diagnosed by clinical appearance and confirmed by excisional biopsy in most cases.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 2, 2013
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