Statistically, in the United States approximately 3 out of 10 Caucasians may develop a basal-cell cancer within their lifetime.^[4] In 80 percent of all cases, basal-cell cancers are found on the head and neck.^[4] There appears to be an increase in the incidence of basal-cell cancer of the trunk (torso) in recent years.^[4]

Prognosis is excellent if the appropriate method of treatment is used in early primary basal-cell cancers. Recurrent cancers are much harder to cure, with a higher recurrent rate with any methods of treatment. Although basal-cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, it grows locally with invasion and destruction of local tissues. The cancer can impinge on vital structures like nerves and result in loss of sensation or loss of function or rarely death. The vast majority of cases can be successfully treated before serious complications occur. The recurrence rate for the above treatment options ranges from 50 percent to 1 percent or less.