Squamous cell carcinoma is the abnormal growth of the squamous cells of the skin and is one of the types of non-melanoma skin cancers. The squamous cells are the flat cells in the outer layer of the skin which is shed as new cells develop. These types of carcinomas are usually small and appear as a crusty part of the skin which is red with an inflamed base. This type of cancer can develop anywhere in the body and is usually not life-threatening, however, if left untreated, it can create serious complications.
Causes
The outer part of the skin continuously sheds as new cells are replaced by the old ones. This process becomes interrupted when certain DNA changes occur. One of the common causes associated with this type of cancer includes the sun exposure or the ultra-violet light from sunbeds. This can result in the cells of the skin to proliferate excessively to form a tumour. This can also develop in the parts of the skin that are already damaged such as burns, old scars and ulcers. Squamous cell carninomas are nor hereditary but some of the other risk factors of developing this condition include the excessive sunburn, fair skin, weakened or suppressed immune system, various genetic condition and history of skin cancer.
Symptoms
The squamous cell carcinoma can develop anywhere in the body but mostly affects the areas that are exposed to the sun such as the scalp, face, ears, lips and back of the hands. Some of the common symptoms associated with this type of cancer include the red nodule, flat sore, red sore, rough patch within the mouth, wart-like sores that may appear in the anus or genitals and elevated growths with central depression which may crust or bleed.
Diagnosis
Any suspicious form of abnormal skin development requires being assessed by the physician who may feel the need for further investigation. The affected individual may be referred to a skin specialist who will conduct various diagnostic tests to verify the cause of the abnormal skin. Initially, the diagnosis may involve the physical examination to evaluate the signs that are evident along with assessing the medical history of the individual. To confirm the squamous cell carcinoma, a biopsy may be required which involves the removal of either a small piece of the affected tissue or the whole area (excision biopsy) which is examined under the microscope.
Treatment
Early detection is essential for a successful treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. If the cancerous cells are left untreated, it can develop complications by spreading to other parts of the body. The type of treatment options is based on the location, size of the tumour and whether it has invaded other parts of the body. The treatment can involve a surgery that usually can remove the entire cancerous tissue or in some cases, it can be treated with the topical medication. Some of the other types of treatment can include simple excision which is the removal of the cancerous tissue with a healthy surrounding margin, cryosurgery that treats the cancer cells with nitrogen liquid, electrodessication and curettage involving the scraping instrument to remove the cancerous cells, a chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
References
http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/SkinInformation/AtoZofSkindisease/SquamousCellCarcinoma.aspx