Is it dangerous to wait for surgery 3 more months for removal BCC on shin, and can it metastasize to the bone? (Photos)

Question

A tumor is 19.5 cm down from middle of a knee and 24.5 cm from a heel.It was originally 0.5 cm,and first it was frozen,but it remained.A piece 0.5x0.4x0.1 cm was cut ,send to lab.Dermatologist sent referal to surgeon,I need to wait 3 mo.fo the surgery.I am 79 years old. Thank you.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Basal cell carcinoma is slow-growing and rarely metastasizes. However, it is totally capable of spreading directly to bone. I feel it would be silly to wait three months before having surgery and suggest that you see a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon to do the removal.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

In the UK the waiting time for removal of BCC's by MOHS can be 3 months. It is rare for BCC's to metastasise. If you have had a biopsy already for diagnosis and your BCC is less aggressive and the lesion is not growing you should be fine. Saying that in an ideal world one would perform the surgery sooner.

Peter J. Malouf, DO · Answer

Hello,It is not dangerous to wait 3 more months and it would be virtually impossible for bcc to metastasize to the bone.  Best, Dr. Malouf

Is it dangerous to wait for surgery 3 more months for removal BCC on shin, and can it metastasize to the bone? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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