What Happens If Basal Cell Carcinoma Is Not Treated?

Basal cell carcinoma often begins as a changing spot, shiny bump, scaly patch or sore that repeatedly crusts and reopens. Without treatment, it may grow wider or deeper and damage structures beside it. Lesions near the eyelid, nose, ear or lip can affect function as well as appearance. Although spread to distant organs is uncommon, local tissue destruction can be substantial, so a quiet-looking lesion should not be ignored.

A sore that does not heal is not automatically cancer, but it deserves examination, especially when it bleeds easily, changes, or returns after seeming to heal. Sun-damaged skin can contain several different lesions, and diagnosis usually requires a clinician's examination and sometimes a biopsy.

Book a dermatology assessment for any persistent or changing lesion. Treatment depends on its size, site, borders and microscopic features. Options may include surgical removal, photodynamic therapy, imiquimod treatment or radiotherapy in selected situations. Do not scrape, burn or repeatedly cover a suspicious spot at home, and protect the area from further sun exposure while waiting for review.

Arrange prompt assessment for a sore that keeps bleeding or crusting, a growing lump, an ulcer, or a wound that will not heal. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure, sudden vision changes, or rapidly developing swelling near the eye. These signs do not confirm cancer, but they should not wait for a routine check.

Does this lesion need a biopsy? How close is it to an important structure? Which treatment would preserve function and appearance, and what follow-up will check for recurrence or new sun-related lesions?