Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (patient information)
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Squamous cell carcinoma |
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Squamous cell carcinoma On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Squamous cell carcinoma |
Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.
Overview
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and covers and protects the body against germs, and prevents the loss of fluids. Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that originates in the upper part of the skin called the epidermis. Signs of squamous cell carcinoma include rough and flat red patches, scars, skin ulcers, or other lesions of the skin. Skin biopsy can confirm whether the lesion is malignant or not. Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.
What are the symptoms of Squamous cell carcinoma?
General appearance is a rough, flat reddish patch, but special attention needs to be given to the following:
- Any new growth
- A mark or bump that is increasing in size
- A sore or ulcer that doesn't heal within three months
Many skin problems can cause lesions that are similar in appearance to squamous cell carcinoma. A dermatologist will need to assess the lesion to confirm the exact nature of it. Any person with suspicious skin markings and changes should seek help from a dermatologist immediately to ensure that it is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Conditions with symptoms similar to sqaumous cell carcinoma are:
- Condyloma acuminata or genital warts
- Skin ulcer
Who is at the highest risk?
Clinical data suggests that the development of squamous cell carcinoma is related to several factors.
- Sunlight(solar UV radiation): Excessive exposure to sunlight is thought to be the largest risk factor for developing squamous cell carcinoma.
- Fair skin: Data show that caucasian persons and persons with fair skin are at higher risk for skin cancer than darker skinned persons.
- Genetic factors: Some persons are genetically more at risk to develop skin cancer, and may have a history of skin cancer in their family.
- Immunosuppressive factors: Persons who have been treated with immunosuppressive medications such as transplant patients, have an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.
- Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP): Patients with XP are at higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma because thay cannot repair the damage caused by sunlight.
- Chemical exposure: Work exposure to large amounts of arsenic, tar, coal, or paraffin increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
- Age: Epidemiological data suggests that the risk of squamous cell carcinoma increases with age.
- Gender: Men are at greater risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma than women.
When to seek urgent medical care?
See your dermatologist if you get any new or rapidly growing lesions on the skin.
Treatment options
Regular self-examinations are key to the early detection of squamous cell carcinoma. A dermatologist will need to evaluate any skin lesions. He may suggest you several tests such as:
- Biopsy: A visual examination of the skin and mucous membranes may prompt the dermatologist to perform a biopsy if malignancy is suspected. This is the most important step in the diagnosis of skin cancer.
Patients with squamous cell carcinoma have several treatment options, for which the selection of treatment depends on the stage of the tumor. The options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects of treatment and how treatment may impact your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effects vary from person and person, and may change from one treatment session to the next.
- Surgery: Surgery as an option will depend on the size of the tumor, and the extent of spread to other organs.
- Radiation therapy: If the tumor is very large, or if it is in an area that is difficult to access through surgery, radiation may be used as the main treatment. This treatment is to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing by using high-energy x-rays or other types of rays.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.
Where to find medical care for Squamous cell carcinoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating squamous cell carcinoma
Prevention of Squamous cell carcinoma
The most effective way to lower the risk of squamous cell carcinoma is to avoid exposure to the sun and other sources of UV light. Regular self checks of the skin are also important.
- Sun protection techniques: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscream, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, stay in the shade, wear sunglasses.
- Avoid other sources of UV light: Avoidance of tanning beds and sun lamps.
- Check for abnormal moles and have them removed: Regular self-examination of moles and other skin lesions, and an evaluation by your dermatologist.
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma depends on the following:
- The stage of squamous cell carcinoma: Whether cancer is found in the skin only, or whether is has invaded the layer below the skin and has spread to the lymph nodes, or to other distant places in the body.
- The location and the size of the tumor.
- The patient’s general health.
Possible Complications
- Local spread of the tumor.
- Spread to other locations, including the internal organs.
Sources
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?rnav=criov&dt=51