What is the prognosis of skin cancer?

The prognosis of skin cancer is closely related to the type, location, size, depth of involvement, presence or absence of metastasis, etc. If it can be detected, diagnosed and treated early, the prognosis is good, and the cure rate can reach about 95.5%.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Since squamous cell carcinoma can metastasize, its prognosis depends on the metastasis. Squamous cell carcinoma is prone to metastasize to local lymph nodes at first, followed by lungs, liver and other organs. The risk of metastasis varies according to the site of onset. The risk of lips and ears is 10-15%. Squamous cell carcinoma in the penis, scrotum and anus has a higher metastasis rate than lips, and the risk of other exposed parts is 2%.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, but it can destroy local tissues. Literature shows that the metastasis rate of basal cell carcinoma is only 0.0028~0.1%, of which 2/3 are lymph node metastases, but it can also affect important organs. If the appropriate surgical method is chosen, the cure rate of basal cell carcinoma can be as high as 99%.

Bowen disease

Bowen's disease has a good prognosis if properly treated, but a poor prognosis if it develops into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Most Bowen's disease patients remain in the state of carcinoma in situ throughout their lives, and about 3-5% of patients may develop into invasive carcinoma. Once invasive growth occurs, the metastasis rate can reach about 37%.

Paget's disease

The prognosis of Paget's disease depends on whether there is a potential malignant tumor and whether metastasis has occurred. Paget's disease of the vulva, perianal area, and penis/scrotum can be associated with female urogenital cancer, digestive system tumors, and male urogenital tumors, respectively. Its prognosis depends on the presence or absence of the underlying tumor. Of course, whether the tumor invades the dermis is also an important factor affecting the prognosis.