How Fast Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Grow?

Basal cell cancers can come in a variety of presentations, some common and some rare. There are different vertical and horizontal growth phases of skin cancer and there is no set pattern of growth or presentation. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian 

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are known as non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The lifetime risk of NMSC among Caucasian-Americans is at least 1 in 5. The actual growth rates vary depending on one's immune status, amount of pre-existing sun damage, etc. Where SCC typically grows faster than BCC, BCC can be very insidious with indistinct borders, and may not be recognized for years. For that reason, it is critical that every fair-skin person gets a head to toe skin check once a year and BCC's on face, scalp, neck should undergo Mohs micrographic surgery.

Basal cell carcinomas typically grow slowly, but they can be invasive and destructive over time. The location also matters.  2mm of growth in the middle of the back would not make much difference. 2mm of growth on the nose or eyelid would have a greater impact. Mohs surgery is typically the best option in the more sensitive areas since it has the highest cure rate and allows the preservation of the surrounding healthy tissue.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly occurring type of skin cancer. When compared to other types of skin cancers, BCC is a relatively slower growing family of malignant tumors. BCCs are usually caused by cumulative UV exposure. Common types of BCCs include:NodularMicronodularMorpheaform/sclerosingPigmentedSuperficialInfiltrativeThere are other types of BCCs, but the above are amongst the most common variants. Each type, along with location determine risk of recurrence and metastasis. There are certain types of BCCs that are faster growing.

The simple answer is, why put off for tomorrow what should have been done yesterday? Find a surgeon that you trust and has a lot of experience. The longer you wait, the larger the tumor and the larger the scar will be.