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Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma
If you’ve been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), also known as basal cell skin cancer, your treatment team will discuss your options with you. It’s important to weigh the benefits of each treatment option against the possible risks and side effects.
Who treats basal cell carcinoma?
You might have different types of doctors on your treatment team.
Most basal cell cancers are treated by dermatologists, doctors who specialize in treating skin diseases.
In some situations, such as if your cancer is more advanced, you might be treated by other types of doctors as well, such as:
- A surgical oncologist, who treats cancer with surgery
- A radiation oncologist, who treats cancer with radiation therapy
- A medical oncologist, who treats cancer with medicines such as targeted drugs, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy
You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, including physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), nurses, pharmacists, nutrition specialists, social workers, and other health professionals.
Types of treatment for basal cell carcinoma
Based on the stage and location of the cancer and other factors, your treatment options might include:
Common treatment approaches for basal cell carcinoma
Several types of treatment can be used to remove or destroy basal cell skin cancers. The options depend on factors such as:
- The tumor size and location
- The likelihood that the tumor will come back after treatment
- Your age, general health, and preferences
These cancers very rarely spread to other parts of the body, although they can still grow into nearby areas and cause serious problems if not treated.
Each approach here can be effective when used in the right situation, and each has its advantages and possible downsides. The chance of the cancer coming back (recurring) after treatment ranges from less than 5% after Mohs surgery to as much as 15% or higher after some non-surgical treatments. Even if a tumor does come back, it can often still be treated effectively.
Surgery is the most common treatment for basal cell cancer. Different types of surgery can be used.
Curettage and electrodesiccation: This is a common treatment for small BCCs that are at low risk for coming back after treatment. It might need to be repeated to help make sure all of the cancer has been removed.
Shave excision: Shaving off the top layers of the skin, including the tumor, with a small surgical blade might be another option for small BCCs that are at low risk for coming back after treatment.
Standard excision: This type of surgery removes the tumor and a margin of normal skin around it. It is a common treatment for low-risk BCCs.
It is also often an option for BCCs at higher risk for coming back, especially if they’re on the chest, back, arms, or legs. A wider margin of normal skin is often removed around the tumor for higher-risk BCCs.
Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery is especially useful for treating BCCs that are at higher risk for coming back, such as:
- 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
- Tumors that weren’t removed completely by other surgeries or that have come back after other treatments
Other surgical techniques similar to Mohs might also be an option in these situations. Mohs and these other techniques tend to be more complex and time-consuming than other forms of surgery, so they’re not typically recommended for low-risk BCCs.
Radiation therapy is often a good option for treating people who aren’t able to or don’t want to have surgery. It can also be used to treat tumors on the eyelids, nose, or ears, which can be hard to treat surgically.
Radiation might also be a good option for some older people when the goal might be to control the cancer and limit side effects, rather than to cure it.
Radiation is also sometimes used after surgery if it’s not clear that all of the cancer has been removed, or if there’s a higher risk that the cancer might come back.
Other local treatments are sometimes options for treating low-risk, superficial BCCs (tumors that haven’t grown too deeply into the skin). These include:
- Topical immune response modifier (imiquimod)
- Topical chemotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
- Cryotherapy
Close follow-up is needed after these treatments because they don’t destroy cancer cells that have grown deep below the surface. Therefore, the risk of the cancer returning is a bit higher than it is after surgery.
Treatment options for BCC that remains after treatment or that comes back later depend on where the tumor is, what the first treatment was, and other factors.
If possible, surgery, such as a re-excision or Mohs surgery, is often recommended to try to remove any remaining cancer.
Radiation therapy might be another option, especially if surgery can’t be done for some reason. Radiation usually can’t be repeated in the same area if it was the first treatment, because it’s more likely to cause serious side effects.
If the cancer comes back in nearby lymph nodes or in other parts of the body, medicines such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy drugs might be options.
In rare cases where basal cell cancer spreads to other parts of the body or can’t be cured with surgery or radiation therapy, a targeted drug such as vismodegib (Erivedge) or sonidegib (Odomzo) can often shrink or slow its growth.
If these drugs are no longer working or if they can’t be taken for some reason, the immunotherapy drug cemiplimab (Libtayo) can sometimes be helpful.
Making treatment decisions
It’s important to discuss all your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your treatment team so you can make the decision that best fits your needs.
Take your time and think about all your options. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
Questions to ask before basal cell carcinoma treatment
Understanding your diagnosis and choosing a treatment plan
- What are my treatment choices?
- Which do you recommend and why?
- How much experience do you have treating basal cell carcinoma?
- Will I be OK if the cancer is just removed with no other treatment?
- What will treatment be like? Where will it be done?
- Will I have a scar after treatment? How big will it be?
- Does one type of treatment lessen the chance of cancer coming back more than another?
- How quickly do we need to decide on treatment?
- Should I get a second opinion? Can you recommend someone?
What to expect during treatment
- What should I do to be ready for treatment?
- How long will treatment last?
- What will it be like? Where will it be done?
- How might treatment affect my daily activities? Can I still work?
- Are there any limits on what I can do?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- What are the chances the cancer will come back?
- What would we do if this happens?
Side effects and long-term effects
- What are the risks or side effects of treatment?
- Can I do anything to manage or reduce these side effects?
- What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
- How can I reach you or someone on your team on nights, holidays, or weekends?
Support and resources
- What if I need help with transportation to and from treatment?
- Is there someone I can talk to if I feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?
- Who can I talk to if I’m concerned about the costs and insurance coverage for my treatment?
Other things to consider
Seeking a second opinion: If time allows, consider getting a second opinion. This can give you more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you choose.
Clinical trials: Clinical trials study new treatments and might offer access to promising options not widely available. They are also how doctors learn better ways to treat cancer. Ask your doctor about clinical trials you might qualify for.
Integrative (holistic) and alternative methods: You might hear about herbs, diets, acupuncture, massage, or other ways to relieve your symptoms or treat your cancer. Integrative therapies are used with standard care, whereas alternative ones are used instead of standard treatments. Some of these might help with symptoms, but many aren’t proven to work and could even be harmful. Talk with your care team first to make sure they’re safe and won’t interfere with treatment.
Help getting through cancer treatment
People with cancer need support and information. Knowing all your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.
Whether you’re thinking about treatment, getting treatment, or not being treated at all, you can still get supportive care to help with pain or other symptoms. It’s important to communicate with your cancer care team so you understand your diagnosis, the recommended treatment, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life.
Different types of programs and support services might be helpful, and they can be an important part of your care. These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help.
The American Cancer Society also has programs and services to help you get through treatment, including rides to treatment, lodging, and more. Contact the ACS cancer helpline for more information.
Choosing to stop treatment or choosing no treatment at all
It is rare for basal cell skin cancer to spread to the point where it can’t be removed, but it can happen. If treatments have been tried and are no longer controlling your cancer, it could be time to weigh the benefits and risks of continuing to try new treatments. Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.
Choosing not to treat your cancer
Some people might not want to be treated at all, especially if the cancer is advanced and the benefits of treatment aren’t likely to outweigh the risks. There are many reasons you might decide not to get treatment, but it’s important to talk to your cancer care team as you make that decision. Remember that even if you choose not to treat your cancer, you can still get supportive care to help with pain or other symptoms.
Hospice care
People with advanced cancer who are expected to live less than 6 months might want to consider hospice care. Hospice care is designed to provide the best possible quality of life for people near the end of life.
You and your family are encouraged to talk with your cancer care team about hospice care options, which include hospice care at home, a special hospice center, or other healthcare locations.
Nursing care and special equipment can make staying at home a workable option for many families.
The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor. Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don’t hesitate to ask your cancer care team any questions you may have about your treatment options.
- Written by
- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Aasi SZ. Treatment and prognosis of basal cell carcinoma at low risk of recurrence. UpToDate. 2026. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-prognosis-of-basal-cell-carcinoma-at-low-risk-of-recurrence on June 5, 2026.
Aasi SZ, Hong AM. Treatment of basal cell carcinomas at high risk for recurrence. UpToDate. 2026. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-basal-cell-carcinomas-at-high-risk-for-recurrence on June 5, 2026.
Martins RG. Systemic treatment of advanced basal cell and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. UpToDate. 2026. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/systemic-treatment-of-advanced-basal-cell-and-cutaneous-squamous-cell-carcinomas on June 5, 2026.
National Cancer Institute. Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. 2025. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/skin-treatment-pdq on June 5, 2026.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Basal Cell Skin Cancer. Version 2.2026. Accessed at https://www.nccn.org on June 5, 2026.
Xu YG, Aylward JL, Swanson AM, et al. Chapter 67: Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2020.
Last Revised: August 11, 2026
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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