What is the best surgery for basal cell carcinoma?

Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of all therapies and is especially effective for high-risk basal cell carcinomas, such as large tumors, tumors that have recurred after other treatments, and tumors in areas such as the face, where we want to preserve as much normal skin as possible.

What percentage of basal cell carcinoma is removed by surgical excision?

Surgical removal with a 2-3-mm excision margin is an adequate treatment for well-defined, primary pigmented BCC, with a 99% complete removal rate.

How long does it take to recover from basal cell carcinoma surgery?

Depending upon the size, may take up to 4 to 6 weeks for the wound to heal completely, but infection, bleeding and pain are uncommon. Close the wound with sutures (stitches).

What kind of doctor removes basal cell carcinoma?

Most basal and squamous cell cancers (as well as pre-cancers) are treated by dermatologists – doctors who specialize in treating skin diseases. If the cancer is more advanced, you may be treated by another type of doctor, such as: A surgical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with surgery.

How serious is a basal cell carcinoma?

Yes, Basal Cell Carcinoma can kill if left untreated. Basal cell carcinoma is rarely fatal (less than 0.1% of patient deaths due to cancer) and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but if left untreated it can damage vital organs, bones, and blood vessels.

What are the stages of basal cell carcinoma?

The stages range from zero to four; higher numbers indicate more aggressive cancers. Most oncologists use the following scale: Stage 0 basal cell carcinoma (carcinoma in situ) – These cancers are only present in the epidermis or the upper layer of the skin.

What is the survival rate for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma ( BCC ), the most common human malignancy, metastasizes in 0.0028% to 0.5% of cases, usually to the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and skin. After metastatic spread of BCC, survival averages 1 to 2 years.