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health care professional examining a man with Recurrent Basal Cell Carcinoma

Recurrent basal cell carcinoma refers to cancer that has come back after treatment and a period of time during which there is no trace of the cancer. Although basal cell carcinoma has an excellent cure rate, it is not uncommon for patients to develop multiple lesions during their lifetimes. People who have already had one skin cancer have a higher risk of developing additional skin cancers in the future, so anyone who has been diagnosed with one basal cell carcinoma should be especially watchful for signs of recurrence.

Most recurrences happen within three to five years of a patient’s original diagnosis. Although anyone can experience a basal cell carcinoma recurrence, several studies have shown recurrence is more likely in:

  • People who had a history of eczema
  • People who were exposed to high doses of UV light in their teens, 20s and 30s
  • People whose original carcinomas were larger than 2 centimeters 
  • People whose original carcinomas were several layers deep in the skin

Although it’s impossible to predict whether basal cell carcinoma will come back, people who have undergone treatment for one lesion are often advised to schedule regular follow-up visits with their oncologists and/or dermatologists. These people should also consistently check for unusual changes in their skin and report any abnormalities to their physician right away. 

Moffitt Cancer Center’s Cutaneous Oncology Program provides skilled diagnostic and treatment services to patients with basal cell carcinoma – whether it’s the first lesion or the fifth. Our patients receive individualized treatment plans that are developed by a multispecialty tumor board, and they have access to some of the most advanced skin cancer therapies, all under one roof.

Contact us for more information about recurrent basal cell carcinoma treatment at Moffitt. Referrals are never required; call 1-888-663-3488 to schedule a visit or submit a new patient registration form online.