How Fast Can Skin Cancer Spread?

Skin Cancer Overview

Skin cancer occurs when cells that comprise the skin begin to multiply in a dysfunctional way. 

The two most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell cancers begin in the uppermost layers of the skin, while basal cell cancers usually start in the lower cells. 

Melanoma is a rarer form of skin cancer that affects the color-producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes. 

How Fast Skin Cancer Spreads

Basal and squamous skin cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body (in a process called metastization) but this process usually takes a long time.

By contrast, melanoma can grow quickly and is more likely to invade other tissues than basal or squamous skin cancer. Nodular melanomas can quickly grow downwards into the deeper layers of the skin where cancer cells then break off and travel in the blood to other parts of the body. Some patients with this condition can develop life-threatening disease within six weeks if left untreated. 

The Importance of Annual Skin Cancer Checks

Annual skin cancer screenings are an essential tool that we use at Cochise Oncology to identify potential skin cancer lesions early. These assessments can give you peace of mind and identify potential cancer candidates. 

A skin cancer screening is a physical examination performed by oncologists to determine the health of your skin. Doctors will look for large, asymmetric moles or skin imperfections that indicate possible cancer. If they discover a skin imperfection requiring closer inspection, they may take a small sample of tissue (called a biopsy) and send it to the lab for further investigation.