Overview
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the most common form of skin cancer that develops from the squamous cells—flat cells that are found on the outer layer of the skin. SCC can be seen in any part of the body but most commonly it appears in sun-exposed parts, which include the face, ears, neck, lips, and the back of hands.
Key Pointers:
- Risk Factors: The risk for SCC is increased with the prolonged exposure to UV radiation from sun or tanning beds.
- Appearance: SCC can be a firm, red nodule, or even a flat lesion with scaly, crusty appearance. SCC might even have a persistent sore or wart appearance.
- Metastasis: SCC has a potential of metastasizing (spreading) to other parts of the body if not detected and treated in time.
- Prevalence: It is one of the most common types of skin cancers, but an early diagnosis and treatment means high cure rates.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary cause is cumulative exposure to UV radiation, but factors like older age, fair skin, and some medical conditions can add up the risk for its development.
Key Pointers:
- UV Exposure: Frequent, intense exposure to sunlight, particularly when it results in sunburns, raises the risk.
- Fair Skin: Those who have fair skin, light eyes, and blonde or red hair are at higher risk due to the lower melanin levels.
- Age: SCC is common in older adults, but it can also occur in younger individuals who have significant sun exposure.
- Immunosuppression: Those whose immune systems are weakened, like organ transplant recipients or HIV/AIDS patients, are at higher risk.
Signs and Symptoms
SCC typically presents as a new growth or an alteration of a previous skin lesion. Be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek help with a physician early if any abnormalities are noted.
Key Pointers:
- Crusty Sores: Sores that do not heal in weeks or months.
- Changes in Skin: Changes in size, shape, color, or texture of a mole or skin lesion.
- Bleeding or Crusting: SCC can bleed easily or may have a crust on top of it.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of SCC usually begins with an eye examination by the dermatologist and might extend to biopsy for confirmation of cancerous cells’ existence.
Key Pointers:
- Visual Examination: Dermatologists evaluate suspicious lesions with clinical criteria and often dermoscopy for close evaluation.
- Skin Biopsy: The biopsy is obtained as a tissue specimen, and it has to be viewed under a microscope in order to understand the diagnosis and extent of the cancer.
Treatment
Squamous Cell Carcinoma care and treatment rely on the size, place, the stage of the cancer, and on the general condition of the patient. Early-stage SCC can be quite easily cured with treatment.
Key Pointers:
- Surgical Excision: The treatment for SCC is the surgical excision of the cancerous tissue, including a margin of normal skin.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery: For larger or more dangerous SCCs, Mohs surgery is usually recommended to achieve a cure with preservation of healthy tissue.
- Radiation Therapy: SCC may be treated by radiation when it cannot be resected surgically easily or when surgery is impossible.
- Topical Treatments: Some superficial SCCs can be treated with topical medications or photodynamic therapy (PDT) to destroy cancer cells.
Prevention
Prevention of SCC requires reducing UV exposure and adopting sun protection measures from an early age. Early detection through regular skin self-examinations and dermatologic screenings is also important.
Key Pointers:
- Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, seek shade, and avoid tanning beds.
- Self-Assessments: Periodically do self-assessment for moles and other lesions on the skin for new onset changes and undergo annual skin screenings by a dermatologist.
Conclusion
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a common and treatable form of skin cancer that arises from the squamous cells of the skin. Understanding the risk factors, signs, and symptoms can help individuals take proactive steps to protect their skin health and seek timely medical attention if necessary.
