Basal cell carcinoma rapidly growing!

Posted by laureenlom @laureenlom, Apr 5, 2025

Has anyone had many basal cell carcinomas, one squamous cell, removed - literally 19 in the past year and a half? I’m told this is “normal”. Between my skin check appointment (5months) I “grew 6 new ones. Has anyone experienced this? It’s been on my back, shoulders, chest, face, legs, neck near my ear, and side of my head at the temple.

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Yes. Just began discovery. 3 at first. Forehead, temple and neck. Confirmed BCC. 2 weeks later, 2 more found on nose. 4 days later, 1 more on lower cheek. I feel it will never end. Frustrated as well.

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This is not normal. The extremely rapid occurrence of BCC ‘s is worrisome and may represent a genetic variant of Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome. It is critical to consult with a dermatologist, preferably one with a lot of skin cancer experience such as a Mohs dermatologist. Frequent skin exams and treatment are critical.

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Profile picture for tpbcc13 @tpbcc13

Yes. Just began discovery. 3 at first. Forehead, temple and neck. Confirmed BCC. 2 weeks later, 2 more found on nose. 4 days later, 1 more on lower cheek. I feel it will never end. Frustrated as well.

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@tpbcc13 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Those BCC spots can be really a pesky issue, indeed. What has your dermatologist said to you about so any discovered in a short time? Are you a transplant patient on anti-rejection medications, or recently place on medications that might affect your immune system?
Ginger

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Profile picture for Ginger, Volunteer Mentor @gingerw

@tpbcc13 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Those BCC spots can be really a pesky issue, indeed. What has your dermatologist said to you about so any discovered in a short time? Are you a transplant patient on anti-rejection medications, or recently place on medications that might affect your immune system?
Ginger

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@gingerw
60yrs old. No meds. Red head, pale skin. My dermatologist has his hands full with me. We just started and that is my next question for him. Two more found since last post. I will be best friends with my doctor by the time we are done

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Inquire about niacinamide prophylaxis and genetic testing. You could consult a Mohs surgeon and be seen
regularly every three months.

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Profile picture for tpbcc13 @tpbcc13

@gingerw
60yrs old. No meds. Red head, pale skin. My dermatologist has his hands full with me. We just started and that is my next question for him. Two more found since last post. I will be best friends with my doctor by the time we are done

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@tpbcc13 I get you! I am also a redhead. I have had many skin cancers, from different types of basal cell up to melanoma. Sunscreen and hats are our best friends.
Ginger

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