How quickly should basal cell carcinoma be removed?

Question

How long after diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma would a doctor recommend removing it? I am aware that basal cell carcinoma is very common and there is a %90 cure rate, as well as the fact that it rarely metastasizes. Will waiting several months after diagnosis to remove it decrease cure rate? Is this something that needs to be removed immediately to have the best prognosis?? Thank you so much for your time, you have no idea how much this will help me!

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, I do not delay treatment for any type of skin cancer in any way, unless there is a reason I would always move forward as soon as possible

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

The goal in my practice is to remove BCC's in 4 weeks but I can wait up to 2-3 months in some cases if the patient is away out of town. SCC's are removed within 2-4 weeks and melanoma are excised within 1 week. BCC's are slow to move and most of my patients have had them from 2 months to 5 years so waiting 1-3 months should be ok. It also depends on the location and if its near a vital structure like the eye or lips, I would remove it quickly. I have seen cases of ocular metastasis of BCC in my practice so sooner the better overall.

Kate Ross, MD · Answer

Any skin cancers are best removed sooner rather than later. I believe that you should go ahead with the surgical procedures to be sure that there is zero chance of metastasizing. Thank you for your question!Kate Ross, MD

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

You are correct that BCCs are slow growing cancers. In reality they will change very little over a few months' time. So it would be ok to wait maybe 3 months after diagnosis to have a procedure to remove it, but I would not suggest more time than this. Even though it was just diagnosed, it will have actually been growing and changing for quite some time before you even went to the doctor to have it looked at. So, it really is always best to have a procedure to remove it as soon as possible. "This
answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be
held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment
with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

How quickly should basal cell carcinoma be removed?

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Answer: How quickly does a basal cell carcinoma need to be removed?

Answer: How quickly does a basal cell carcinoma need to be removed?

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How quickly should basal cell carcinoma be removed?

Answers (4)

Answer: How quickly does a basal cell carcinoma need to be removed?

Answer: How quickly does a basal cell carcinoma need to be removed?

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Everything you need to know about Mohs Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.