Skin cancer is one of the most dangerous and potentially fatal forms of cancer. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice any suspicious changes in your skin. But how long can skin cancer go untreated?
The answer to this question depends on the type of skin cancer and the stage at which it is detected.
If left untreated, melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, can spread quickly throughout the body. Once it has spread, it may become more difficult to treat. If caught early on, melanoma can be treated with surgery. Without treatment, it can progress to a more advanced stage and spread to other organs.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common types of skin cancer, are usually less aggressive than melanoma. When caught early, these types of skin cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation, and/or topical medications. If left untreated, however, they can become more serious and spread to other parts of the body.
Because of the potential for skin cancer to spread, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your skin. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, the amount of time it takes to treat can vary. But the sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of successful treatment.