How quickly should basal cell carcinoma be removed?

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 

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.  

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

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."