My Skin Cancer Was Removed. Why Do I Still Need Follow-Up Care?

Being told that your basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) has been successfully removed can bring tremendous relief.

For many people, treatment is the end of a stressful chapter. But it often comes with a new question: If my skin cancer is gone, why do I still need regular skin exams and follow-up appointments?

In this webinar, AIM at Skin Cancer’s Krista Rubin, MS, FNP-BC, and Dr. Nikhil Khushalani of Moffitt Cancer Center discuss what patients should know about recurrent skin cancer, the risk of developing additional skin cancers, and why ongoing monitoring remains an important part of care.

Watch the webinar below:

Most Skin Cancers Are Successfully Treated

The good news is that the vast majority of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are treated successfully and never become life-threatening.

Most are diagnosed early and removed by a dermatologist using procedures such as surgical excision or Mohs surgery. For many patients, treatment ends there.

However, having one skin cancer can increase the risk of developing another.

Recurrence vs. a New Skin Cancer

These terms can sound similar, but they mean different things.

A recurrent skin cancer is a cancer that returns after treatment. It may come back in the same area or, in some cases, spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

A new primary skin cancer is a completely new cancer that develops independently of a previous one. It is not the original cancer coming back.

Understanding this distinction helps explain why ongoing skin checks are so important.

Why Am I at Risk for Another Skin Cancer?

Years of ultraviolet (UV) exposure can affect large areas of skin—not just the spot where a cancer developed.

As a result, people who have had one basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma are at increased risk for developing additional skin cancers in the future.

This doesn’t mean another cancer will definitely occur. It simply means that continued monitoring becomes an important part of protecting your health.

Why Sun Protection Still Matters

Some patients wonder whether sunscreen and sun-protective clothing still matter after they’ve already had skin cancer.

The answer is yes.

While previous sun damage cannot be erased, protecting your skin today can help reduce future UV damage and may lower the risk of developing additional skin cancers.

Simple steps include:

• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Wearing protective clothing and hats
• Seeking shade when possible
• Avoiding indoor tanning
• Performing regular skin self-exams
• Keeping dermatology appointments

What Should I Watch For?

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• A new spot that doesn’t heal
• A growth that continues to enlarge
• A sore that repeatedly bleeds or crusts
• Changes near a previous surgical site
• New lumps or swelling near lymph node areas

When it comes to skin cancer, early detection remains one of the most effective tools we have.

The Bottom Line

For most people, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are highly treatable. But a history of skin cancer means your skin deserves continued attention.

Regular skin exams, sun protection, and follow-up care can help detect new cancers early and provide peace of mind as you move forward.

Watch the webinar above to learn more about recurrence, risk factors, treatment advances, and what experts recommend for people living beyond a skin cancer diagnosis.