What Happens If Basal Cell Carcinoma Goes Untreated?

The threat of basal cell carcinoma is dangerous because it can quickly spread throughout many parts of your body. Proper diagnosis and care are necessary for preventing basal cell carcinoma from becoming worse. You can trust board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher and our experts at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in San Antonio and Live Oak, TX to spot any unusual growths and potential threats on your skin, including various forms of skin cancer.

Understanding basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a form of skin cancer that occurs in basal cells. These are skin cells that trigger the production of new skin cells after the old ones die off. Basal cells can mutate when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation produced by sunlight.

People who are out in the sun for too long and don’t use sunscreen have a higher risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. The head and neck are the most common areas, but they can also develop around any spot that sees extensive sunlight exposure.

How can you tell you might have BCC?

BCC can produce noticeable changes in your skin that will not heal on their own. You may notice a lesion on the skin with a raised border, for example. A scaly patch or a wax-like texture may also develop over the lesion. Sometimes, you might notice a skin-colored bump with a slightly translucent body. You could spot some blood vessels in the area.

You can contact Dr. Boucher at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in San Antonio or Live Oak, TX if you suspect you have any of these concerns on your skin. During a full-body skin examination, our experts can review your skin and identify any concerning spots that require treatment.

Early detection is key

If caught early enough, skin cancer can be successfully treated. The risks of not treating basal cell carcinoma are too dangerous to ignore and, if left untreated, carcinoma can spread through many other skin tissues. BCC can also increase your risk of developing other skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma.

Sometimes, BCC can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and eventually to the bones and organs. The condition can ravage the rest of the body and become deadly. But proper screening and early treatment of your skin cancer will help you reduce the risk of the condition spreading and becoming potentially deadly.

Contact us today for a full-body skin evaluation

BCC is a serious concern that can impact anyone who is outside often. But you can trust a dermatologist to help you resolve the condition and prevent it from becoming worse.

Contact us at Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in San Antonio or Live Oak, TX for help if you have any concerns that might be related to skin cancer, such as skin lesions and unusual skin growths. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher and the team at our clinic can help you manage your skin care needs. Visit us today to schedule an appointment for services.