How Fast Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Grow?

March 13, 2009
Asked By:Gillis in Franklin, TN

From what I have read, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) tends to be slow growing. What exactly does that mean? I am 43 years old and have a BCC located just below my nose and scheduled for Mohs surgery on Tuesday. I have had the BCC for at least 5 years, probably longer. My surgeon tells me that there is no way to know how much tissue will be removed until surgery. Immediately following the Mohs surgery, I will see a plastic surgeon to repair the wound. My bcc is pink slightly elevated with a rolled border and a crusted indentation in the center. When i went to the dermatologist, he knew right away just from looking at it that it was a BCC, biopsy confirmed. Do they grow at a certain rate? I just want to be prepared. Any information will be helpful.

Answers (18)

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June 26, 2015

Answer: What does a basal cell cancer look like?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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June 26, 2015

Answer: What does a basal cell cancer look like?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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April 16, 2017

Answer: Basal cell carcinoma growth rate may be slow but can be insidious

William Ting, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
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April 16, 2017

Answer: Basal cell carcinoma growth rate may be slow but can be insidious

William Ting, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
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March 3, 2018

Answer: How quickly does a basal cell carcinoma grow

March 3, 2018

Answer: How quickly does a basal cell carcinoma grow

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April 13, 2015

Answer: Basal Cell Carcinoma Growth

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April 13, 2015

Answer: Basal Cell Carcinoma Growth

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