squamous cell carcinoma

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of cancer that affects the skin, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. This condition occurs when squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells resembling fish scales, grow and multiply uncontrollably.

Causes and Risk Factors

SCC is often caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, leading to damage to the skin's surface layers. Other risk factors include:

• Prolonged Sun Exposure: Spending extended periods outdoors without proper protection can increase the risk of developing SCC.
• Tanning Beds: Using tanning beds regularly has been linked to an increased risk of SCC.

Symptoms and Characteristics

SCC may manifest as a firm red bump, scaly red patch, open sore, or wart that crusts or bleeds easily. The condition can develop on any part of the body but is most commonly found in areas exposed to the sun.

• Red Bump: A firm red bump is one possible manifestation of SCC.
• Scaly Red Patch: A scaly red patch may also be a symptom of this skin cancer.
• Open Sore or Wart: SCC can appear as an open sore or wart that crusts or bleeds easily.

Prevention and Treatment

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent SCC, taking precautions against UV exposure can reduce the risk. If diagnosed with SCC, treatment options include:

• Surgical Excision: Removing the affected area surgically.
• Mohs Surgery: A specialized surgical technique for removing cancerous tissue layer by layer.
• Radiation Therapy: Using radiation to kill cancer cells.

References

• [1] Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the skin. It starts in cells called squamous ... (Source: 1)
• [2-5] Various sources confirm SCC's definition, causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
• [6] Cancer that begins in squamous cells. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales, and are found in the tissue that forms the surface of ... (Source: 6)
• [7-8] Additional information on SCC's causes, symptoms, and prevention methods.
• [9] When these cells grow out of control, they can develop into squamous cell skin cancer (also called squamous cell carcinoma). Basal cells: These cells are in the ... (Source: 9)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that can appear on various parts of the body, including the face, ears, lips, and hands. The signs and symptoms of SCC can vary from person to person, but here are some common ones:

• Rough or scaly patches: SCC often starts as a rough or scaly patch on the skin, which may crust or bleed [3].
• Raised growths or lumps: In some cases, SCC can appear as raised growths or lumps on the skin [3].
• Thickened, red spots: The first sign of an SCC is usually a thickened, red, scaly spot on the skin that doesn't heal [6].
• Open sores that don't heal: SCCs can also resemble open sores that don't completely heal [7].
• Abnormal changes to the skin: Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms are mostly visual in nature, and usually, the first warning signs are abnormal changes to the skin [8].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common signs and symptoms, SCC can also cause other problems, such as:

• A persistent sore throat
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Voice changes
• Earache

It's essential to note that not all SCCs will exhibit these symptoms, and some people may not experience any noticeable changes at all.

References

[3] Oct 31, 2024 — Signs and symptoms of squamous cell skin cancer · Rough or scaly red (or darker) patches, which might crust or bleed · Raised growths or lumps, ... [6] by H Australia · 2024 — What are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma? ... The first sign of an SCC is usually a thickened, red, scaly spot on your skin that doesn't heal. You are ... [7] SCCs can appear as thick, rough, scaly patches that may crust or bleed. They can also resemble warts, or open sores that don't completely heal. [8] Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms are mostly visual in nature. Usually, the first warning signs are abnormal changes to the skin.

Diagnosing Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Overview

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that can be diagnosed through various tests and procedures. Here are some of the key diagnostic methods used to identify SCC:

• Physical Exam: A thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional is often the first step in diagnosing SCC. This involves inspecting the affected area for any suspicious growths or lesions [1].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a crucial test that involves taking a sample of tissue from the affected area and examining it under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells [5]. This can usually be performed in a doctor's office.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs may be performed in cases of advanced tumors or if there is a concern that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body [4].
• Skin Biopsy: A skin biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the affected area and examining it under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells [3].

Additional Diagnostic Tools

Other diagnostic tools may also be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation, such as:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen Measurement: This test measures the level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) in the blood. While not specific to SCC, it can have utility as a nonspecific tumor marker for the presence and progression of the disease [9].

References

[1] Context 1: Tests and procedures used to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the skin include: Physical exam.

[3] Context 3: To diagnose squamous cell skin cancer, doctors at MSK will examine you and take a biopsy of the area.

[4] Context 4: Imaging tests including, CT Scan or MRI. A CT scan or MRI may be performed in cases of advanced tumors or if there is a concern that the cancer has spread to ...

[5] Context 5: If a person comes to a physician with symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma, a diagnosis can be obtained through a biopsy. This test can usually be performed ...

[9] Context 9: In conjunction with clinical evaluation, squamous cell carcinoma antigen measurement may have utility as a nonspecific tumor marker for the presence and ...

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be treated with various drug options, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

• Targeted Therapy: Vismodegib (Erivedge) is a targeted therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating basal cell skin cancer, which is a type of SCC [1]. However, its effectiveness for other types of SCC is not well established.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves using medications to stimulate the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Avelumab (Bavencio) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) are two immunotherapies that have been approved for treating Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare type of SCC [2].
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using medications to kill cancer cells. Cisplatin, carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and paclitaxel are some of the chemo drugs most often used to treat SCC [3]. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
• Topical Therapy: For early-stage SCC, nonsurgical options like topical chemotherapy and immune response modifiers may be considered. Topical therapy involves applying medications directly to the skin lesion [4].
• Drugs targeting EGFR protein: Cetuximab (Erbitux) is a drug that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein, which has been shown to shrink some SCCs in early studies [5].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to these drug treatments, other options for treating SCC include:

• Surgery: Excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, curettage and electrodesiccation (electrosurgery), and laser surgery are all surgical options that can be used to treat early-stage SCC [6].
• Cemiplimab-rwlc injection: This medication is used to treat certain types of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) that has spread to nearby tissues [7].

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for an individual case of SCC.

References:

[1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 5 [5] Context 7 [6] Context 6 [7] Context 8

Differential Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance with other skin conditions. The differential diagnosis of SCC includes several conditions that must be ruled out before making an accurate diagnosis.

Conditions to Consider:

• Actinic Keratosis: A precancerous condition caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, which can appear as a small, rough patch on the skin.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: An allergic reaction to certain substances that can cause redness, itching, and blistering of the skin.
• Atopic Dermatitis: A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin.
• Atypical Fibroxanthoma: A rare type of skin cancer that can appear as a firm, painless nodule on the skin.
• Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, which can appear as a small, shiny bump on the skin.

Other Conditions to Consider:

• Premalignant lesions, such as squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS), which is a non-invasive form of SCC.
• Soft tissue lesions, including equine sarcoid, hemangiosarcoma, and basal cell carcinoma, which can appear on the lips or other areas of the skin.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of SCC is based on clinical features, such as the appearance of the lesion, its location, and any associated symptoms. A biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. The histological subtype of SCC can also be confirmed through a biopsy.

References:

• [1] Apr 18, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses · Actinic Keratosis · Allergic Contact Dermatitis · Atopic Dermatitis · Atypical Fibroxanthoma · Basal Cell Carcinoma.
• [2] Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biopsy. Biopsy is essential. Differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis varies based on the lesion's appearance.
• [3] by A Combalia · 2020 · Cited by 97 — Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for most nonmelanoma skin cancer–related metastatic disease and deaths. Histopathology and correct surgical excision ...
• [4] How is squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed? Diagnosis of cutaneous SCC is based on clinical features. The diagnosis and histological subtype are confirmed ...
• [5] by JL Lim · Cited by 11 — DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS · Premalignant lesions ... squamous cell carcinoma ... Basal cell carcinoma: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, ...
• [6] The differential diagnosis includes other proliferative and invasive soft tissue lesions of the lips, including equine sarcoid, hemangiosarcoma, basal cell ...
• [7] by AF JERANT · 2000 · Cited by 643 — The differential diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma includes actinic keratosis, amelanotic melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, benign tumors, ...