What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer. It's appearance is highly variable, but it usually appears as a nodule (bump) in the skin that eventually becomes depressed in the center (ulcerates).
How Does Sqaumous Cell Carcinoma Feel?
If it's located in an ulcer or in certain areas of the body, such as the bottom of the foot where your constantly putting weight on it, it may be painful. Many times there is no associated pain.
How Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed?
Most suspicious skin lesions will be biopsied by your doctor. This is a test that involves taking all or part of the lesion and sending it to a lab for evaluation. Your doctor will also want to get blood tests that may provide helpful information.
What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Each cell in your body contains a substance called DNA. DNA contains the blueprints that allow the skin to regenerate after an injury. When DNA damaged or altered, the blueprints are misinterpreted and serious problems may result, such as cancer. Radiation, viruses, carcinogens, and certain genetic factors are examples of how DNA can become damaged or altered
There are many things that can cause this DNA damage, although it is most commonly associated with sun exposure. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage your skin and cause the cancer to form. People who are light skinned, freckle easily during childhood, or have light hair or blue eyes are at a much higher risk of developing this cancer. It is seen more in warmer climates where people tend to stay out in the sun longer and wear less protective clothing. People who spend a lot of time in the sun during the early afternoon when the UV rays are the strongest, or who live closer to the equator, where it's easier for dangerous rays to pass through the ozone layer are also at an increased risk for developing this problem.
Other sources of radiation can cause SCC as well. Those at risk include people who work with radiation on a regular basis, patients who undergo long term radiation therapy for treatment of other medical problems, and rarely, people who wear rings that contain radon.
Squamous cell carcinoma may arise in long standing scars, ulcers, or other skin problems, particularly burn scars or venous stasis ulcers. In some cases it is caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus, and can be seen as a wart-like lesion on the bottom of the foot or around the nail, as well as in the genital area. SCC is seen more frequently in immunocompromised patients (people with weakened immune systems) than in the normal population. This includes transplant patients, AIDS patients, and people on certain medications. SCC is associated with chronic heat exposure. A variety of traditions from many cultures involve chronic exposure of heat to certain areas of the body. Examples include long term use of a hot water bottle to the same area of skin and sitting in front of a heater or fireplace with exposed skin.
Occupations that involve long term exposure to certain carcinogens (substances that cause cancer) can cause SCC. Two carcinogens associated with SCC are hydrocarbons, which can be found in tar and a variety of oils and other products, and arsenic.
The cure rate of this cancer is also highly variable. Most small lesions that are caught early can be cured completely. On the other hand, if the cancer is neglected and untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and potentially be fatal.
What Can I Do for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Other than preventing the cancer in the first place, there's nothing you can do yourself, once the lesion is identified. Make sure you see a doctor as soon as you notice any suspicious looking skin lesions. (See prevention below.)
What Will My Doctor Do For Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
There are a variety of treatments for this cancer, each depending on what caused the cancer, where it is located, and doctor preference. The most common treatments are removing the lesion with surgery or electrotherapy, and radiation therapy. If the cancer has spread, you may need to have some lymph nodes removed or undergo chemotherapy.
How to Prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma
You can prevent or minimize your chances of developing SCC by using sunblock and wearing protective clothing. Avoid the sun where and when its rays are strongest. Avoid areas high in radiation or wear protective clothing whenever you are exposed to it. Don't buy jewelry that contains radioactive materials. Practicing safe sex may prevent certain conditions that can be associated with the development of SCC, including the Herpes virus and AIDS. Don't expose your skin to direct heat for long periods of time. Finally, consider routine cancer screening, especially if you are in a high risk group, such as those with a prior history of skin cancer or especially light skin.
