It's difficult to determine the exact number of cases of stage 2 basal cell carcinoma because the disease may not be diagnosed until later, or it might be diagnosed and treated before it's progressed to stage 2. Also, basal cell carcinoma often isn't assigned a stage unless the tumors are large or have spread significantly. In general, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer. In the United States, over 800,000 new cases of basal cell carcinoma are diagnosed each year.
Stage 2 Basal Cell Carcinoma
Stage 2 basal cell carcinoma is the third stage of development of the most common type of skin cancer. Stage 2 basal cell carcinomas start out slowly as little red or white shiny bumps that gradually grow to be larger than 2 centimeters (cm) in diameter or to be thicker than 2 millimeters (mm). The most common treatment involves burning the tumor’s base with an electric needle. At this stage, basal cell carcinoma is only mildly serious and still very treatable.
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Regional Medical Center answeredBecause stage 2 basal cell carcinoma generally only affects the skin, other illnesses usually don't affect people with this disease any differently than they'd affect anyone else. Certain illnesses or medical conditions may increase your risk for developing stage 2 basal cell carcinoma. These conditions include certain inherited genetic syndromes as well as conditions that harm your immune system. In general, though, stage 2 basal cell carcinoma doesn't affect the way your body responds to illnesses.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Stage 2 basal cell carcinoma is caused when stage 0 or stage 1 basal cell carcinoma advances. Initially, 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 a lot of sun exposure over the years, although other factors like exposure to toxic chemicals and certain genetic disorders may also cause stage 2 basal cell carcinoma in some people.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Sun exposure is one of the most significant risk factors for stage 2 basal cell carcinoma. Often, people who have had a lifetime of too much sun exposure or who suffered from bad sunburns early in life have an increased risk for developing the condition. People who live in very warm, sunny climates also have an increased risk because they're more likely to be exposed to sunlight more often. Because of this, it's a good idea to avoid too much sun and to wear sunscreen all year round.
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Regional Medical Center answered
The only difference between the way stage 2 basal cell carcinoma affects males and the way it affects females is that it's more common among males. Even though males are much more likely to develop stage 2 basal cell carcinoma, it's affecting women at a growing rate. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer among humans in general, so both sexes should take precautions against the condition by avoiding too much sun exposure and wearing sunscreen.
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Regional Medical Center answered
If you notice symptoms that may be caused by stage 2 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 2, basal cell carcinomas may just be small white or red bumps, or they can be flat brown patches. Usually, growths in stage 2 are starting to get bigger - they can often be greater than 2 centimeters in diameter. They're also starting to spread deeper into the skin, even though you can't see it. Because stage 2 basal cell carcinomas have already begun to spread, it's a good idea to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms so that you can diagnose and treat the cancer as early as possible.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Although stage 2 basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, fortunately it's only mildly serious. When it's caught during stage 2, basal cell carcinoma is usually still quite treatable. It doesn't spread to other parts of the body easily, and it grows relatively slowly so nearby tissue isn't rapidly infected. However, in stage 2, the basal cell carcinoma has started to spread deeper into the skin and may start to attack the skin's nerves. Because of this, it's important to see a doctor if you notice symptoms of stage 2 basal cell carcinoma.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Fortunately, there are several ways you may be able to prevent stage 2 basal cell carcinoma. The most important way to prevent basal cell carcinoma from advancing to stage 2 is by getting stage 0 or stage 1 basal cell carcinoma treated, and by seeing your doctor about any unusual growths or sores as soon as you notice them. Because stage 2 basal cell carcinoma is related to sun exposure, it's important to protect your skin from the sun. Avoid too much sun exposure, especially during its strongest hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If you are outside, wear plenty of sunscreen all year round, and wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Doctors suggest that a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and vitamin D may also help prevent stage 2 basal cell carcinoma. Also, make sure to check your skin regularly for any abnormal growths, especially if you're at a higher risk for stage 2 basal cell carcinoma or if you've had it before.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Usually, medications aren't the first treatment option for stage 2 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.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Stage 2 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 2 basal cell carcinoma tumors are usually small, shiny growths that may bleed easily, or scab and crust. Tumors, which can be over 2 centimeters in diameter at this stage, usually form on areas of sun-exposed skin, often on the neck and head. While in stage 2, basal cell carcinomas are still mostly in the epidermis, but they may spread deeper into the lower layers of skin, may be thicker than 2 millimeters, and may begin to take over tiny nerves in the skin. If left untreated, these tumors will continue to spread deeper into the skin and surrounding tissue.