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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 anyone can experience a basal cell carcinoma recurrence, several studies have shown recurrence is more likely in: People who had a history of eczema.
Accordingly, can basal cell carcinoma come back in the same spot?
After being removed, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin does recur at some other spot on the body in about 40% of people. BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma, and then melanoma.
Keeping this in view, what are the chances of basal cell carcinoma returning?
The 5-year recurrence rate is about 5%, but it depends on the histologic subtype and type of treatment; the recurrence rate is less than 1% for primary (previously untreated) BCCs treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.
Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of all treatments for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas -- more than 99% for new skin cancers and 95% if the cancer comes back. Twice a year is normal, but you may need them more often if the cancer is an aggressive type that's more likely to come back.