A skin cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, bringing a wave of emotions and questions about what the future may hold. One of the most common concerns patients express after treatment is: “Can skin cancer come back?”
The short answer is yes—skin cancer can recur, and understanding the factors that influence recurrence is vital to long-term skin health and peace of mind.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether skin cancer is likely to come back, which types are more prone to recurrence, the areas it tends to return to, and steps you can take toward preventing skin cancer in the future.
Does Skin Cancer Come Back?
Yes, skin cancer can come back after it has been treated. This can happen in two ways:
- Recurrence – When the same type of cancer returns in the same spot or nearby area.
- New Occurrence – When a new skin cancer, potentially a different type, develops elsewhere on the body.
While the word "recurrence" typically refers to the same cancer returning, it's essential to know that once you've had skin cancer, your likelihood of getting skin cancer again increases, regardless of whether it's the same type.
Which Types of Skin Cancer Are More Likely to Recur?
Not all skin cancers have the same recurrence rate. Here’s a closer look at the three most common types:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most common type of skin cancer. BCC rarely spreads to other body parts, but it does tend to come back, especially in the same area. The chances of skin cancer reoccurring with BCC are higher if the tumor was large, had unclear margins, or if the patient has a history of frequent sun exposure. - Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC has a slightly higher chance of spreading than BCC and is also prone to recurrence, particularly in areas repeatedly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, and hands. If you’ve had SCC once, you have an elevated risk of developing it again. - Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and is known for its potential to recur and spread. Recurrence can happen months or even years after initial treatment, and it may return to the same area or appear in lymph nodes or distant organs. Those who have had melanoma once are at significantly higher risk for developing another melanoma in the future.
Does Skin Cancer Come Back in the Same Spot?
Often, yes. Especially for BCC and SCC, skin cancer tends to recur in the same general area where the original tumor was located. This is typically because the surrounding skin may have been exposed to the same harmful UV rays that caused the initial tumor, or microscopic cancer cells were left behind during treatment.
Melanoma, however, may return in different ways:
- Local recurrence – in or near the original tumor site.
- In-transit recurrence – between the original site and nearby lymph nodes.
- Distant recurrence – in other organs or tissues, like the lungs, liver, or brain.
The potential for recurrence depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the original cancer, the treatment received, and how early it was caught.
Risk Factors for Recurrence: What Increases the Chances?
After one skin cancer diagnosis, your chances of skin cancer reoccurring increase. That’s because the factors contributing to the first case—like UV exposure, fair skin, a weakened immune system, or a history of sunburns—are still in play.
Other risk factors include:
- A history of multiple skin cancers
- Incomplete removal of the initial tumor
- Genetic predisposition (like having the CDKN2A gene for melanoma)
- Chronic sun exposure or tanning bed use
- Living in sunny or high-altitude climates
Knowing your risk can help you and your dermatologist create a surveillance plan tailored to your needs.
Preventing Skin Cancer and Lowering the Risk of Recurrence
While some risk factors can't be changed, there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk. Preventing skin cancer after your first diagnosis requires a proactive approach:
- Sun Protection Is Essential
Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily—even on cloudy days. If you're outdoors, reapply every two hours. Protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses also go a long way. - Avoid Tanning Beds
Artificial UV light is just as damaging as the sun and significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. - Regular Skin Checks
Perform monthly self-exams and schedule routine visits with your dermatologist. Early detection is key in catching new or recurring cancers before they progress. - Monitor for New or Changing Lesions
Look for new growths or changes in moles, scars, or skin patches. Report anything suspicious immediately. - Healthy Lifestyle Choices
A strong immune system can help fight abnormal cell growth. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
Get Screened Today
So, can skin cancer come back? Absolutely—but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Understanding the risk of recurrence, primarily based on the type of skin cancer you’ve had, can help you stay vigilant. With ongoing care, diligent skin monitoring, and protective habits, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of getting skin cancer again and take meaningful steps toward a healthier future.
If you or a loved one has any concerns about skin cancer, schedule your screening today. Call us or book online to meet with one of Dermatology Partners' board-certified dermatologists. Early detection can save lives!
