Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form. However, squamous cell carcinoma is more common in African Americans.
The name “squamous” comes from the cells where the cancer grows. These cells are in the uppermost layer of skin cells. Squamous cell carcinoma usually grows slowly. In some cases it can grow fast and spread to other tissues in the body, usually initially through lymph nodes. It is rarely fatal if treated early, but can be lethal if it spreads beyond the skin.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light through time spent in the sun is known as the primary cause of squamous cell carcinoma. However, the growth results from a combination of sun exposure and genes that make developing the cancers more likely. Squamous cell carcinoma can also grow where the skin has been damaged by a burn, a long-standing wound, been exposed to certain chemicals, or been exposed to radiation.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma:
Symptoms include:
The diagnosis will probably be made by a doctor who specializes in skin care, called a dermatologist. The dermatologist will look at the skin growth and take a sample, called a biopsy , to test for cancerous cells. The doctor will then decide on a treatment plan based on the size, growth, subtype, and location of the tumor.
Treatment includes:
The following are ways to decrease your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery
http://www.mohscollege.org/AboutMMS.html
The Skin Cancer Foundation
http://www.skincancer.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca
The Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation
http://www.canadianskincancer.com/home.html
References:
Jerant A, Johnson J, Sheridan CD, Caffrey T. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Am Fam Physician . 2000 Jul 15;62(2):357. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000715/357.html . Accessed June 20, 2007.
Saraiya M, et al. Preventing skin cancer. MMWR . 2003 Oct 17;52(RR15):1-12. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5215a1.htm . Accessed June 20, 2007.
Squamous cell carcinoma. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=116909 . Accessed June 20, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
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