Basal cell carcinoma very rarely spreads to other parts of the body, although it can invade nearby tissues if not treated. There are several methods that can be used to remove or destroy these cancers. The choice may depend on factors such as tumor size and location, as well as on the patient's age, general health, and preferences.

All of the treatment methods below can be effective. The recurrence rates range from around 1% for Mohs surgery to up to 10% for 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 critical 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 and expensive than other methods.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a good option for treating older patients and for tumors involving the eyelids, nose or ears -- areas that are 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 skin surface.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery can be used for some small basal cell carcinomas but is not recommended for larger tumors or those in certain parts of the nose, ears, eyelids, scalp, or legs.