Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Still Pose Health Risk if Only Under the Skin? Doctor Answers, Tips
Skin Cancer: Q&A
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Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Still Pose Health Risk if Only Under the Skin?

I had a small lesion removed from top of hand 5 years ago by a local doctor by excision. Biopsy results indicated it basal cell carcinoma and suggested that it was not completely removed. It healed up nicely and has not reappeared after 5 years. I have not had any follow up visits to remove what was left of it (it must be under the skin).

Anyway, my question is does this remaining basal cell under the skin pose any health risks or can I just forget it unless it resurfaces the skin?

1 Doctor Answer | Asked by chuckles121 in GA
+1

Probably OK by Now

A somewhat unusual location for a basal cell, since most skin cancers on the back of the hand are of the squamous cell variety. Although standard of care is certainly to remove any and all skin cancers, basal cell or not, at this stage it could really be followed. Basal cells will declare themselves and form redness, a bump or an ulceration if they recur. The one exception to this, and I have seen this maybe three times, is when a graft or flap is placed over the defect. The basal cell... more
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