According to the American Academy of Dermatology, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. More than two million cases are diagnosed every year. Similar to other skin cancers, BCC tends to grow on areas that are exposed to sunlight. It is important to bring any mole or area of concern to your healthcare provider's attention before these areas spread.
Stage 4 Basal Cell Carcinoma
Stage 4 basal cell carcinoma is the fifth and final phase of development of the most common type of skin cancer, so it's the most serious stage. Because it is typically caused by exposure to the sun, it often develops on the parts of your skin that are most exposed to sunlight, particularly on the face near the eyes, ears and jaw. The most important way to prevent basal cell carcinoma from advancing to stage 4 is by treating earlier stages as soon as you're diagnosed.
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Regional Medical Center answeredIf you notice symptoms that may be caused by stage 4 basal cell carcinoma, you should talk to your doctor right away. Symptoms may include a sore on your face or neck that bleeds easily or scabs and oozes. In stage 4, basal cell carcinomas may be small white or red bumps, or they can be flat brown patches. Usually, growths in stage 4 are bigger ? they're usually greater than 2 centimeters in diameter. At this stage, they're also starting to spread deeper into the skin and into surrounding bone, tissue, and organs, even though you can't see it. Because stage 4 basal cell carcinomas are already spreading, you should see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.
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Regional Medical Center answered
If you are caring for someone with stage 4 basal cell carcinoma, one of the best things you can do is help that person follow medical advice from their doctors, especially regarding starting treatment right away. After treatment, make sure they see their doctor for frequent screenings to make sure the cancer hasn't spread or returned. Encourage continued skin protection through sunscreen and protective clothing. It's also important to remember that diagnosis and treatment of stage 4 basal cell carcinoma can have mental and emotional effects, so support them emotionally as they cope with these challenges, too.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Usually, medications aren't the first treatment option for stage 4 basal cell carcinoma. Instead, the tumor is usually surgically removed from the skin, or it may be treated with doses of high-energy radiation. If medication is used, it's usually in topical form. These treatments are applied to the skin, and they use chemotherapy drugs that contain strong chemicals that work to kill cancerous cells. However, these medications are usually used for only very superficial tumors, and by the time basal cell carcinoma reaches stage 4, the cancer has often spread too far for this to be an option.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Usually, diagnosing stage 4 basal cell carcinoma begins with a physical exam that includes a visual inspection 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. In earlier stages where the growth is still small, it can be biopsied by simply shaving off the skin's top layers. However, for most stage 4 basal cell carcinoma, the tumor is larger and deeper so doctors may choose to surgically remove part or all of the growth.
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Regional Medical Center answered
If yo''ve been diagnosed with stage 4 basal cell carcinoma, it's important to talk to your doctor about treatment and get treated as soon as possible. After treatment, you should follow up regularly with your doctor to make sure the cancer hasn't come back or spread. It's also important to continue doing frequent self-checks of your skin, especially near the area where the first basal cell carcinoma was removed. Stage 4 basal cell carcinoma has a high chance of coming back even after treatment, so keep a keen eye out for any new growths. Continue protecting your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. Also, the diagnosis and treatment of stage 4 basal cell carcinoma may be emotionally and mentally stressful. Take advantage of things like support groups, yoga, and meditation that may help you cope with the emotional challenges of the disease.
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Regional Medical Center answered
There are a variety of treatment options for stage 4 basal cell carcinoma. A common option for treating stage 4 basal cell carcinoma is surgical removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding skin. One specific procedure that may be an option is Mohs microscopically controlled surgery, in which doctors remove one layer of the tumor at a time and examine it for cancerous cells as they go. This way, the doctor removes as little skin as possible while still getting rid of all the cancer. Another possible treatment for stage 4 basal cell carcinoma 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, but it's usually used only on smaller tumors. If stage 4 basal cell carcinoma has spread to nearby bone, lymph nodes, or organs, doctors may recommend radiation therapy. Since treatment for stage 4 basal cell carcinoma depends on the location of the tumor and the health of the person, it's important to talk to your doctor about finding the best treatment option for you.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Stage 4 basal cell carcinoma starts in the bottom part of the skin's top layer. An overgrowth of skin cells eventually builds up and forms a tumor. Stage 4 basal cell carcinoma tumors usually begin as small, shiny growths that may bleed easily, or scab and crust. Tumors, which can be any size but are often over 2 centimeters in diameter at this stage, usually form on areas of sun-exposed skin. In stage 4, these tumors are often found on the face and neck, but they can be found almost anywhere. While in stage 4, basal cell carcinomas have often spread deeper into the lower layers of skin and have begun to affect surrounding tissue, including bone. At this point, the cancer may also have begun to spread to lymph nodes and other organs.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Unfortunately, there's no guaranteed cure for stage 4 basal cell carcinoma. However, there are several treatments that are often pretty effective. Depending on the location of the tumor, treatment may include surgery (including Mohs surgery) to remove the tumor, or radiation to kill cancerous cells. These treatments are usually pretty successful at removing the cancer, but basal cell carcinoma can re-develop, especially once it's reached stage 4. Because of this, it's important to get frequent skin screenings after treatment for stage 4 basal cell carcinoma.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Stage 4 basal cell carcinoma is caused when earlier stages of basal cell carcinoma advance. 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 that build up over time and eventually form a tumor. When these tumors are left untreated, the cancerous cells begin to invade nearby tissue and eventually spread throughout the body. 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 lead to stage 4 basal cell carcinoma in some people.