What is Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) specifically is a kind of skin cancer that originates from the squamous cells of the skin. These cells are quite different from melanocytes (from which melanomas originate) as they do not usually play a role in the color of skin but compose the maximum skin’s most superficial layer, the epidermis.
How does Squamous cell carcinoma look like?
It usually looks like wounds or elevated growths that may bleed without scratching and do not heal over time. Squamous cell carcinoma may also look like scaly patches or parts of skin covered by a thick crust, surrounded by a deep red area that looks inflamed. Some squamous cell carcinoma may also resemble warts. They usually occur in sun exposed parts such as the scalp, face, rim of the ears and the back of the hands, but may also be developed on the lips as well as the genital organs.
How common is Squamous cell carcinoma?
On behalf of existing data, SCC is known as the second most common skin cancer in the Caucasian populations and the most common skin cancer in persons of color.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Causes: This disease is caused basically by cumulative exposure to the sun (ultraviolet-UV) throughout a person’s life. This may include daily year-round exposure to the sun and the more intense exposure experienced while on the months of summer. Additionally, UV exposure due to tanning bed use may also be responsible for causing the damage of skin that can lead to the formation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors: People who are with fair skin, light hair, freckles and blue, green, or gray eyes are at comparatively higher risk of developing SCC. In addition, those patients who are with diseases such as psoriasis that have undergone phototherapy treatments, or transplant patients that take immunosuppressive medications are also at risk. Regardless of any individual’s personal medical history, extensive sun exposure is also quite associated with a higher risk of occurring this kind of skin cancer.
Using tanning beds is also responsible in order to increase the risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma substantially. Specifically, it is believed that patients using tanning beds have a multiple times higher risk of developing Squamous Cell Carcinoma than those that do not. Patients of color may also develop Squamous Cell Carcinomas on parts of preexisting inflammatory skin conditions, burn injuries or serious trauma.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms: Patients that have new or growing lesions on the skin, or ulcers that fail to heal should contact their dermatologist for a consultation. Patients with a history of extensive exposure to sun, phototherapy or tanning beds may occur one or multiple small red scaly patches on their skin. Sometimes such patches can be skin-colored but may feel rugged at the time of touch.
These lesions are named actinic keratoses and usually are considered as premalignant lesions that may be responsible for causing squamous cell carcinoma. If a patient observes such a lesion they must refer to a dermatologist in order to get appropriate treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis and Treatment: It is basically diagnosed by performing a skin biopsy. The choice of treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma is surgical excision. This sort of surgery usually needs the use of topical anaesthesia only. Then, the skin is closed with stitches or a skin graft. Another sort of treatment can be considered for squamous cell carcinoma is radiotherapy. This kind of treatment may need multiple sessions in order to leave an effective effect. In a few cases, a combination of surgery and radiotherapy can be used, while in a few, quite advanced tumors, chemotherapy can also be recommended.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Prognosis: Most squamous cell carcinomas have an amazing prognosis, as if they are diagnosed a bit early, can be treated successfully with the help of surgical excision only. Although, about 2 to 5% of Squamous Cell Carcinomas have been reported to give metastases. Overall, the five-year relative survival rate has been reported for patients with squamous cell carcinoma.
What can individuals do in order to avoid getting an SCC (Squamous cell carcinoma)?
The use of various sun protection methods is quite necessary in order to prevent squamous cell carcinoma. These can include the rigorous use of UVA and UVB, seeking shade on the beach and wearing sun protective clothing, hats as well as sunglasses. The use of tanning beds needs also to be avoided.
NOTE: The information provided in this article is only for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
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