Basal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis: How Does It Spread?

When basal cell carcinoma (BCC) spreads beyond the location of the original tumor, it’s referred to as metastatic. It’s very rare for BCC to become metastatic — it only happens in less than 1 percent of cases.

BCC may spread if it isn’t caught and treated early. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with metastatic BCC, it’s important to learn about what to expect. In this article, we’ll cover how BCC spreads, possible treatment options, and the overall prognosis of metastatic BCC.

How Does Basal Cell Carcinoma Spread?

BCC, the most common type of skin cancer, can spread when cancer cells move to other parts of the body.

BCC cells can move in a couple of different ways. The first is through the bloodstream. Cancer cells that end up in the blood vessels can wind up anywhere in the body, since blood flows everywhere.

The second way skin cancer cells can move is through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is made of vessels, organs, and other structures (including lymph nodes) that move a clear fluid called lymph throughout your body.

The lymphatic system is part of your immune system and helps your body absorb certain nutrients. This system is connected to your bloodstream, but separate from it.

If cancer cells spread to your lymphatic system, they can grow in your lymph nodes or move throughout the body. The lymph nodes are the most common place where BCC spreads, followed by the lungs and bones.

Risk Factors for Basal Cell Carcinoma Spreading

If you have certain risk factors, there may be a higher risk of BCC spreading. Your skin cancer specialist can help you understand your individual risk factors.

Risk factors for BCC metastasis include:

• Having a larger tumor when you’re first diagnosed, which can mean an advanced stage
• Having BCC for a long time without treating it
• Having recurrent BCC (tumors that come back after treatment)
• Being male
• Having a suppressed immune system
• Having previously had radiation therapy
• Being middle-aged
• Having your primary BCC site on your head or your neck

Even if any (or all) of these apply to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that BCC will spread in your body. Each person’s BCC may be different. Again, your doctor can help you figure out how much risk there is that your BCC will metastasize.

Prognosis for Basal Cell Carcinoma That Has Spread

Most of the time, BCC isn’t life-threatening. For early-stage BCC, the survival rate is extremely high.

If you’re diagnosed with metastatic BCC, your doctor can talk with you about what to expect and which treatments may help. Metastatic BCC can be life-threatening. If your cancer has metastasized, talk to your doctor about what it means for the future. They can review the specifics of your case and tell you what you need to know about your prognosis.

Follow Up With Your Doctor

If you’ve been treated for BCC, it’s important to follow up with your doctor as recommended. BCC can recur in the same location. If this happens, getting additional treatment is key to preventing spread.

Recurrence is more common if the BCC is on your head and neck, if your doctor didn’t remove the entire tumor and enough skin around it the first time, or if you have certain subtypes of BCC.

Just because BCC recurs doesn’t mean that it has spread. As long as you find it and treat it again, your risk may still be low.

If your BCC has spread or you’re worried it might, talk with your doctor about what to do next. They can explain your treatment options and what to expect.

Join the Conversation

On MySkinCancerTeam, people share their experiences with nonmelanoma skin cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma? Are you worried about it spreading? Let others know in the comments below.