A Simple Guide to Squamous Cell Carcinoma(skin)

A Simple Guide to Squamous Cell Carcinoma(skin)
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What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a progressive neoplastic tumor of the epithelial cells of thee skin which are found mainly in the late middle age and consists of a solitary skin lesion.

Who is affected by Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma is more common in :

1.People with fair skin than in those with darker skin.

2.People who spend time outdoors under the sun than those staying indoors.

3.People with skin condition called xeroderma pigmentosa

4.People with autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus

5.People with family history of Squamous Cell Carcinoma


What is the Cause of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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A.Sun exposure:

Exposure to the sun is one of the most common causes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Risk factors are:

1.intensity of the sun

2.duration of sun exposure,

3.age when sun exposure takes place

4.degree of skin pigmentation

B.Familial:

1.skin condition called xeroderma pigmentosa (autosomal recessive)

2.family history of Squamous Cell Carcinoma


What are the Symptoms and signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma presents usually as:

1.single firm lesion

2.raised

3.red

4.indurated

5.scaling

6.ulceration may occur

7.rarely bleeding

8.found in sun exposed areas of body

9.regional lymph nodes may be enlarged


How do you make the Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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Biopsy show malignant epithelial cells with varying degrees of infiltration


What are the complications of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma can spread to the organs and other parts of the body


What is the treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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Treatment is simple surgical removal of the skin lesion .

Sometimes the regional lymph nodes are also removed.

If the spread is further, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be necessary.


What is the prognosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
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The prognosis is good if detected early and there is complete removal of the cancer.

If there is spread to the organs, prognosis is variable depending on the degree of metastases.


What are the preventive measures for Squamous cell carcinoma?
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1.Avoid the direct sun (long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and broad-brimmed hats).

Use sunscreens.

2.Good nutrition and healthy lifestyle boost the immune system and helps prevent malignancy.

3.Patients with family history of skin cancer should be reviewed yearly

4.Recently a melanocyte-stimulating hormone called melanotan has been found to provide photo-protection against squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.