What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, affecting the squamous cells that cover most of the outside of the body.

People mostly develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, neck and hands; however, squamous cell carcinoma can appear on any part of the body.

Signs and symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include a bump or rough patch on the skin, or a sore that won’t heal.

Some squamous cell carcinomas begin as actinic keratosis, a precancerous growth that results from many years of exposure to the sun or tanning beds. An earlier sign of squamous cell carcinoma, called Bowen’s disease, grows on the epidermis as a flat, reddish, scaly patch. Squamous cell carcinoma can also appear on the anus and genital area as a complication of herpes simplex virus.

Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is a skin biopsy, followed by excision. A dermatologist will numb the area around the tumor and excise it with some surrounding skin. Topical creams containing imiquimod or fluorouracil can be used if the squamous cell carcinoma is in an early stage. Curettage and electrodessication, where a dermatologist scrapes off the growth with a curette uses an electrocautery needle to control bleeding and destroy residual tumor with heat, can also be used in an early stage of the cancer.

More advanced squamous cell carcinoma can be treated through Mohs surgery, where a small layer of skin is excised and examined under a microscope. Excision continues until no cancer cells are observed under the microscope.

Most squamous cell carcinoma is treatable, but early intervention will help prevent the need for more-aggressive treatment. Regular self-exams to detect abnormal growths on the skin, using sunscreen when outdoors with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and avoiding tanning booths can help protect the skin from developing squamous cell carcinoma.

References:

http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/basics/definition/CON-20037813.

http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/squamous-cell-carcinoma.