Published March 9, 2020
Estimates suggest that about one in five people will develop skin cancer at some point in their life. Despite its prevalence, skin cancer has a higher survival rate, especially when it is caught early. If you have skin cancer and are considering avoiding conventional treatments, you may be wondering what happens if skin cancer is untreated.
Can skin cancer go away on its own? What happens if skin cancer is untreated?
The answer is no, skin cancer does not typically go away on its own. While very rare cases of keratoacanthoma may shrink without treatment, almost all forms of skin cancer alternative treatments continue growing if left untreated, and some can spread to deeper tissues, lymph nodes, or organs. Whether you’re dealing with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, early medical evaluation is essential.
Read on to learn how each type of skin cancer behaves without care and when to seek treatment. We’ll also discuss the natural skin cancer treatments and support therapies you can try.
What Is Skin Cancer? Understanding the Basics
Skin cancer begins when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably in the layers of skin. It is the most common cancer, and while many skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas, others, like squamous cell cancers and melanoma, can behave aggressively.
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- The most common type of skin cancer
- Forms in basal cells (also called basal cell skin cancer) at the outermost layer of skin
- Grows slowly but can damage surrounding skin and tissues
- Rarely spreads, but basal cell cancer to spread can still occur when left untreated
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Develops in squamous cell layers
- Can grow deeper into tissue or lymph nodes
- Includes cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
- More aggressive than BCC and can become dangerous if untreated
3. Melanoma
- Less common than basal and squamous cell skin cancers
- Forms in pigment-producing cells
- The most dangerous type of skin cancer
- High risk of spreading to parts of the body like the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or bone
- Requires rapid action
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Before answering, “Can skin cancer heal on its own?” it’s important that you first understand what causes skin cancer.
In most cases, an underlying cause of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure. This exposure to ultraviolet and UV radiation can cause damage to the DNA of the cells. Once your immune system has been compromised, these skin cells can mutate and lead to cancerous cell growth.
Here is a list of the most common causes of skin cancer:
- UV damage from the skin from the sun
- Tanning beds
- Genetics or family history
- Certain skin conditions
- Weakened immune system
- Repeated irritation or environmental exposures
Your risk of developing skin cancer increases with age and cumulative sun damage. Always protect your skin with sunscreen, clothing, and shade.
Can Skin Cancer Heal On Its Own?
Whether you don’t think a nodule is particularly concerning or don’t want to go through the procedure and negative effects of treatment, you may be considering opting out of any form of treatment for your skin cancer. However, the true question is: can skin cancer go away on its own?
Simply put, no. Keratoacanthoma, a rare type of skin cancer that appears as dome-shaped tumors on skin prone to sun exposure, can potentially shrink and go away on its own without treatment. However, this is rare, and many keratoacanthomas continue to grow and may potentially spread to various areas in the body.
How Long Can Skin Cancer Be Left Untreated?
The risks associated with leaving skin cancer untreated vary significantly with the type of skin cancer and its stage. For non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the growth is generally slower, meaning they might be left untreated for months or even years without immediate severe consequences.
However, melanoma, due to its aggressive nature, requires prompt treatment. Delaying treatment for melanoma can significantly decrease survival rates, as it can spread to other parts of the body within weeks or months.
What Happens If Skin Cancer is Untreated?
The exact effects of untreated skin cancer can vary from patient to patient. When skin cancer is untreated, several progression patterns may occur:
1. Tumor Growth
The cancer cells continue dividing. This leads to:
- Larger skin tumors
- More visible changes on normal skin
- Spread to deeper layers of skin
2. Local Tissue Damage
Untreated tumors may invade:
- Surrounding skin
- Muscle
- Bone
- Nerves
This can cause bleeding, ulceration, pain, or infection.
3. Regional or Distant Spread
- Melanoma can spread within weeks
- Squamous cell carcinoma may enter lymph nodes
- Even “less dangerous” BCC can invade nerves and structures beneath the skin
4. More Painful & Complicated Treatment Later
Delaying care often means:
- Larger surgeries
- More scarring
- Additional cancer treatment is needed to destroy any remaining cancer cells
What Does Untreated Skin Cancer Look Like? Signs & Symptoms
Untreated skin cancer can manifest in various ways, depending on the type of cancer. However, here are common skin cancer symptoms include:
Basal Cell Carcinoma:
- Pearly or shiny bumps
- Pink growths
- Waxy scars
- Open sores that don’t heal
- Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma may include bleeding or crusting lesions
Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
- Thick, crusty, or scaly patches
- Red, irritated skin
- Firm, raised bumps
- Can appear on darker skin tones differently and are often as non-healing sores
Melanoma:
- Moles with asymmetry, irregular edges, color changes, or rapid growth
- A new skin spot that looks different from others
- A changing spot on your skin
A full-body skin exam by a dermatologist and a skin biopsy are the most reliable ways to diagnose skin cancer.
Natural & Alternative Support Options at ITC
While medical treatment is essential, many patients explore alternative therapies to support healing. At Immunity Therapy Center, our natural therapies may help boost the immune system, support detoxification, and improve quality of life.
- Hyperthermia: Uses controlled heat to help the body kill cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.
- IV Vitamin Therapy: High-dose vitamins (like vitamin C) support immune function, reduce inflammation, and aid cellular repair.
- Immune Support & Nutritional Therapy: Nutrient-dense eating plans and targeted supplements may help support skin and tissue healing, as well as reduce treatment side effects.
Other Supportive Options:
- Oxygen therapies
- Peptide therapy
- Detoxification therapies
These options help treat skin cancer supportively by strengthening the body’s internal defenses. Always involve a dermatologist or oncologist. Alternative methods should be part of comprehensive cancer care, not a substitute for proven treatment.
Early Detection Saves Lives
So, does skin cancer go away on its own?
No. Remember that there are numerous types of skin cancers that can manifest as various skin lesions. It’s challenging to predict the growth of any single tumor, particularly considering the numerous variables involved, including the patient’s health, family history, type of skin cancer, and its stage.
If you notice changes on your skin, book an appointment with your dermatologist and consider speaking with Immunity Therapy Center to explore natural therapies that may complement your healing journey. Contact ITC today to learn about personalized natural support options for skin cancer treatment.
Written By: Dr. David Alvarez
Dr. David Alvarez is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Xochicalco and Certified by the American Heart Association (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support).
Dr. Alvarez has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista as an Assistant Medical Director at the Immunity Therapy Center for over 6 years. He provides daily on site patient care and participates on the medical board on research and development of patient treatment plans and programs. Dr. Alvarez is a knowledgeable and compassionate Doctor committed to helping patients get to where they want to be health wise through a more holistic and comprehensive approach.
Sources:
- Skin Cancer Foundation. Melanoma Overview: A Dangerous Skin Cancer. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/
- American Cancer Society. What Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell.html
- Healthline. What Does Skin Cancer Look Like? https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-skin-cancer
- Skin Cancer Foundation. The Clock Starts … Now! https://www.skincancer.org/blog/the-clock-starts-now/
- NIH. Duration of acceptable delay between the time of diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10314821/
- NIH. Devastating effect of untreated facial squamous cell carcinoma. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8366926/
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.