What is a common clinical feature of basal cell carcinoma?

A common clinical feature of basal cell carcinoma is local cutaneous invasion. This type of skin cancer typically arises from the basal cells in the epidermis and is known for its tendency to grow slowly and remain localized. Rather than spreading to distant sites, basal cell carcinoma often invades surrounding tissues locally, which can lead to significant local damage if left untreated.

The nature of basal cell carcinoma makes it distinct from other skin cancers, like melanoma, which is more likely to metastasize. Although basal cell carcinoma can invade local tissues and cause destruction, it has a low tendency to metastasize, contributing to its relatively favorable prognosis. This feature is pivotal in clinical settings since treatment strategies typically focus on local therapies aimed at complete excision or destruction of the tumor while considering the importance of preserving surrounding healthy tissue.