Basal cell carcinoma very rarely spreads to other parts of the body, although it can grow into nearby tissues if not treated. Several methods can be used to remove or destroy these cancers. The choice may depend on factors such as the tumor size and location, and the patient's age, general health, and preferences.
All of the treatment methods listed here can be effective. The recurrence rates range from less than 5% for Mohs surgery to up to 15% or higher for some of the others, but this depends on the size of the tumor. Small tumors are less likely to recur than larger ones.
Electrodesiccation and curettage
Electrodesiccation and curettage is a commonly used treatment for basal cell carcinomas smaller than 1 centimeter (slightly less than a half inch) across.
Simple excision
Simple excision (cutting the tumor out) is often used to remove basal cell carcinomas, along with a margin of normal skin.
Mohs surgery
Mohs surgery has the best cure rate for basal cell carcinoma. It is especially useful in treating large tumors, tumors where the edges are not well-defined, tumors in certain locations (such as on or near the nose, eyes, ears, forehead, scalp, fingers, and genital area), and those that have come back after other treatments. However, it is also more complex, time-consuming, and expensive than other methods.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is often a good option for treating older patients and for tumors on the eyelids, nose or ears – areas that can be hard to treat surgically.
Immune response modifiers, photodynamic therapy, or topical chemotherapy
These treatments are sometimes considered as options for treating very superficial tumors (tumors that have not extended too deeply under the skin surface). Close follow-up is needed because these treatments do not destroy any cancer cells that are deep under the surface.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery can be used for some small basal cell carcinomas but is not recommended for larger tumors or those on certain parts of the nose, ears, eyelids, scalp, or legs.
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