Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview
The glorious sunshine in the Land Down Under is a double-edged sword. While it beckons us outdoors, excessive sun exposure can have lasting consequences for the skin. One such concern is squamous cell carcinoma or SCC, a type of cancer that can pose significant health risks if left undetected.
But there’s nothing to fear! Early detection and treatment are crucial to successfully managing SCC. This post sheds light on this condition, empowering you with the knowledge to protect your skin and prioritise your health.
Quick Facts on Squamous Cells
Squamous cells are one of three main types of cells in the skin’s top layer (epidermis). These flat cells are located near the surface of the skin that shed continuously as new ones form, the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and the lining of hollow organs such as the bladder, kidney and uterus. These cells look like fish scales under a microscope.
How Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Develop?
Squamous cells, like other cells in the body, have a self-healing capacity to detect and repair damage. SCC usually begins when ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds badly damages the skin. When the body can no longer repair all the cell damage from excessive UV exposure, mutations then develop in the form of cancer cells.
Usually, this squamous skin cancer forms on areas of the skin that receive the most sun exposure like the head, arms and legs. It can also form in areas of the body with mucous membranes, which are the inner lining of the organs and body cavities like the mouth, lungs and anus.
Two Types of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
There are different types of SCC based on where and how much cancer is in the body:
⦁ Cutaneous: If the cancer only affects the top layer of the skin (in situ) or spreads beyond the top layer of the skin, it is classified as cutaneous.
⦁ Metastatic: This develops if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body beyond the skin.
How Serious Is Squamous Skin Cancer?
Squamous skin cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. It is usually not life-threatening as it tends to grow slowly in most patients. However, it can grow deep, causing injuries to nerves, blood vessels, and anything else in its path.
Once this skin cancer grows deep and spreads to other parts of the body, it can be deadly, and treatment becomes difficult. In patients with a compromised immune system, this skin cancer can grow more quickly and be more aggressive. Early detection can prevent this cancer from growing deep into the skin.
Who Is at High Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCC?
Squamous skin cancer can develop in people of all skin tones. While people over the age of 50 are most likely to get it, SCC cases in younger people have also been rising. People assigned male at birth are also twice more likely to develop this skin cancer.
The following individuals are more at risk of SCC:
⦁ Those with sun damage to their skin at a young age or those with long-term sun exposure
⦁ Those aged 65 years or older
⦁ Those who have a pale complexion, blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes
⦁ Those who received an organ transplant
⦁ Those with a weak immune system
⦁ Those who had prolonged chemical exposure (e.g., arsenic and benzene from cigarettes)
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of SCC?
Squamous cell carcinoma often manifests as noticeable skin changes. As it develops in the body, cancerous bumps, marks or lesions form on the skin. Below are the most common signs and symptoms of this skin cancer:
⦁ A rough-feeling bump or growth that crusts over like a scab and bleeds
⦁ A noticeable growth that’s much higher than the skin but sinks down in the middle
⦁ A sore that heals and then comes back
⦁ A wound that won’t heal
⦁ An area of skin that’s larger (around 2.5 cm), flat, scaly and red
⦁ A bump or lump that has a different colour from the skin around it and feels dry, itchy, or scaly
⦁ A lesion on the lower lip where the tissue becomes pale, dry and cracked, and may have a burning sensation when exposed to the sun
⦁ White or pale spots in the mouth, on the tongue, gums or cheeks
IMPORTANT: If you see anything on your skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way, see a dermatologist for a skin exam.
What Are the Treatments for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous skin cancer is highly treatable when found early. It is treated by removing the cancer from the body. Treatment options vary based on the size, shape and location of the cancer.
⦁ Cryosurgery: This treatment involves freezing the cancer cells to destroy them.
⦁ Photodynamic Therapy: This treatment option uses blue light and light-sensitive agents to remove cancer from the skin.
⦁ Mohs Surgery: This surgery removes the layers of skin affected by cancer. It is the most common for facial cancers.
⦁ Curettage and electrodesiccation: This uses a spoon-like instrument called curette to scratch off the cancerous lump. The scratched-off area is then burned with an electric needle.
⦁ Excision: This treatment option cuts the cancer out of the skin and then stitches the skin back together.
⦁ Systemic Chemotherapy: This involves powerful medicines to destroy cancer cells in the body.
As mentioned previously, treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) becomes difficult when it has grown deep into the skin. Detecting this cancer early can prevent it from growing and spreading to other parts of the body. This is why it’s imperative to see a board-certified dermatologist for a skin exam the moment you notice any visible changes on your skin.
Book an Appointment with Us for a Skin Exam!
Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma.
Don’t delay seeking professional advice if you notice any concerning changes on your skin. Schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists for a full skin examination.
