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Can A Small Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma Reoccur?

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Posted on Tue, 10 May 2016
Question: I have just been told I had XXXXXXX cell carcinoma on my lower back...A reddish spot which I have had for 3 years started pinching and in some cases bleeding. I am not certain why it developed. Doctors looked at it last year and gave me cortesteriod creams. thinking that it might have been shingles or some other type of lesion...It went away for awhile but came back a few times until I finally asked my family doctor to check it again on a regular visit.to his office...He said as a safeguard because the spot had been around for awhile,we should surgically remove the area and send it away for biopsy..It came back positive....The results said it was a surface carcinoma, slow growing, and that nothing along side it or below it showed any cancer cells when they examined it and it had not spread to the lymph nodes...don't know how they know that.... My question is this...its in an area almost never exposed to sun just above my hip, so I want to know what the chances are of recurrence of such a lesion in the future? (2) What are the odds now that I have had skin cancer that I could develop other cancers like melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma? (3). Is there any way to reduce the risk of recurrence actually occurring. (4) Now that it has been removed is there anything more you might recommend I do...Those are my questions...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
outcome will be excellent

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

This is a small superficial basal cell carcinoma which has been excised with clear margins. So chances of recurrence of this cancer is really low. Risk of nodal spread is very low that's why nodal surgery is not done unless there are enlarged nodes felt. So that is why they have said lymph node negative.

No further treatment is required. No specific risk reduction methods available. Only follow up. Another basal cell carcinoma may occur but risk low. For squamous or melanoma risk is like any other individual.

Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (9 hours later)
As a follow-up question I would like to know your thoughts on this...I have had 2 large (pencil eraser size)moles since birth..one on my neck and one on my back....Should I haver those removed by a dermatologist as a precaution.?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
not really

Detailed Answer:
if they are not growing or showing some recent changes like irregular margins or color change, then no pressing need to remove them. If such changes happen then you should consult your dermatologist.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

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Can A Small Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma Reoccur?

Brief Answer: outcome will be excellent Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. This is a small superficial basal cell carcinoma which has been excised with clear margins. So chances of recurrence of this cancer is really low. Risk of nodal spread is very low that's why nodal surgery is not done unless there are enlarged nodes felt. So that is why they have said lymph node negative. No further treatment is required. No specific risk reduction methods available. Only follow up. Another basal cell carcinoma may occur but risk low. For squamous or melanoma risk is like any other individual. Hope this helps. Regards