Basal cell carcinoma begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer. Basal cell carcinomas usually develop on sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck.
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly. It is very unusual for a basal cell cancer to spread to other parts of the body. However, if a basal cell cancer is left untreated, it can grow into nearby areas and invade the bone or other tissues beneath the skin.
After treatment, basal cell carcinoma can recur in the same place. And new basal cell cancers can start elsewhere. Thirty-five to 50 percent of patients diagnosed with one basal cell cancer will develop a new skin cancer within five years of the first diagnosis.
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