Stage 0 Basal Cell Carcinoma

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• QWhat is stage 0 basal cell carcinoma?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Stage 0 basal cell carcinoma is the first stage of development of the most common type of skin cancer. Stage 0 basal cell carcinoma is usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, so it often develops on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun. The tumors caused by stage 0 basal cell carcinoma are usually small, slow-growing red bumps that often form on the skin of the head and neck of older people. Fortunately, stage 0 basal cell carcinoma is easy to treat since it's still early in the cancer's development.

• QWhat causes stage 0 basal cell carcinoma?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Stage 0 basal cell carcinoma is caused by problems with certain skin cells. Normally, DNA controls the growth cycle of cells in the skin, causing new cells to replace older cells at a regular pace. However, when the DNA is damaged, it causes an overgrowth of skin cells. These cells build up over time and eventually form a tumor. The most common way that the DNA is damaged is by excessive sun exposure, although other factors like exposure to toxic chemicals and certain genetic disorders may also cause basal cell carcinoma in some people.

• QWhat are the symptoms of stage 0 basal cell carcinoma?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  The main symptoms of stage 0 basal cell carcinoma are skin growths that develop on areas of sun-exposed skin, like the head and neck. Often, stage 0 basal cell carcinomas start out slowly, as little red or white shiny bumps. The tumors generally grow very slowly, so they're sometimes not easily noticeable. Sometimes, stage 0 basal cell carcinomas will alternate between scabbing and bleeding, which makes people think they're just a sore. Other times, the growths will form flat scaly patches that may be brown or red. Stage 0 basal cell carcinomas may also have visible blood vessels around the growths, especially when they're on the face or neck.

• QHow does stage 0 basal cell carcinoma affect the body?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Stage 0 basal cell carcinoma starts in the bottom part of the epidermis, which is the skin's top layer. An overgrowth of skin cells eventually builds up and forms a tumor. Stage 0 basal cell carcinoma tumors are usually small, shiny growths that may bleed easily, or scab and crust. Tumors usually form on areas of sun-exposed skin, often on the neck and head. While in stage 0, basal cell carcinomas are still confined to the epidermis, but if left untreated, they may slowly start to spread deeper into the skin.

• QWhat increases my risk for stage 0 basal cell carcinoma?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  There are several factors, both environmental and genetic, that may increase your risk for stage 0 basal cell carcinoma. The most significant risk factor seems to be excessive sun exposure, especially when it's over an entire lifetime. If you have light hair and skin, your risk may also be increased since your skin has less pigment to protect from UV rays. Your age and sex may also influence your risk - if you are a male and if you're over 50, you're at a higher risk for developing stage 0 basal cell carcinoma. Other risk factors may include a family history of skin cancer, certain inherited genetic conditions, and exposure to certain toxic chemicals.

• QHow is stage 0 basal cell carcinoma diagnosed?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Usually, diagnosing stage 0 basal cell carcinoma begins with a physical exam that includes a visual examination of the tumor and a review of your medical history. To confirm diagnosis, doctors will do a biopsy, which involves removing all or part of the growth and analyzing it under a microscope. For stage 0 basal cell carcinoma, the growth can be biopsied by simply shaving off the skin's top layers rather than surgically cutting out the entire growth.

• QShould I talk to my doctor about my stage 0 basal cell carcinoma symptoms?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  If you notice symptoms that may be caused by stage 0 basal cell carcinoma, you should talk to your doctor. Symptoms may include a sore on your face or neck that bleeds easily or scabs and oozes. In stage 0, basal cell carcinomas may just be small white or red bumps, or they can be flat brown patches. Since stage 0 basal cell carcinomas haven't penetrated deep into the skin yet, it's a good idea to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms so that you can diagnose and treat the cancer early.

• QWhat are the treatment options for stage 0 basal cell carcinoma?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  There are a variety of treatment options for stage 0 basal cell carcinoma. The most common treatment for new tumors is electrodesiccation and curettage (ED and C). This procedure involves scraping off the top layer of the tumor and then burning the tumor's base with an electric needle. Another common option for treating stage 0 basal cell carcinoma is surgical removal of the tumor and a small bit of surrounding skin. If these types of surgery aren't an option, cryosurgery (using liquid nitrogen to freeze the tumors) may be used. In some cases, topical chemotherapy treatments may be applied to your skin. Since treatment for stage 0 basal cell carcinoma depends on the location of the tumor and the health of the individual, it's important to talk to your doctor about finding the best treatment option for you.

• QHow do medications treat stage 0 basal cell carcinoma?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Usually, medications aren't the first treatment option for stage 0 basal cell carcinoma. Instead, the tumor is usually scraped and burnt off (electrodesiccation and curettage), or it's surgically cut out of the skin. If medication is used, it's usually in topical form. These treatments usually use chemotherapy drugs that are applied to the skin. The strong chemicals in those drugs work to kill cancerous cells in the top layers of the skin. However, these medications often have negative side effects, so close medical supervision is required.

• QAre there alternative treatments for stage 0 basal cell carcinoma?

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  A Reston Hospital Center answered

  Although alternative treatments can't cure stage 0 basal cell carcinoma, there are several alternative options that may help improve your overall health. Some people recommend a nutritious diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables. Vitamin supplements, especially vitamin D, may be beneficial. Some people benefit from certain relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation.