Basal cell carcinoma

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Basal cell carcinomas that are diagnosed and treated early usually cause no problems. But untreated cancers, especially aggressive morpheaform tumors, can invade and destroy nearby muscles, nerves and bone. One unusual type of basal cell carcinoma — basosquamous — is capable of spreading to other parts of your body.

Basal cell carcinomas are also difficult to eliminate completely. Even after successful treatment, they may recur, often in the same place. Having more than one tumor initially or a tumor on the trunk of your body makes recurrence more likely.

A history of basal cell carcinoma may also increase the chance of developing more serious types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma and even malignant melanoma — probably because of long-term sun exposure. Researchers are debating whether having basal cell carcinoma leads to an increased risk of other kinds of cancer.

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References
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April 2, 2009

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