skin squamous cell carcinoma

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that originates from the squamous cells, which are flat cells in the top layer of the skin. It is the second most common form of skin cancer, accounting for about 20% of all skin cancers [1].

Symptoms and Characteristics

The symptoms of SCC can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common characteristics include:

• A firm bump or nodule on the skin
• The nodule might be the same color as the surrounding skin or slightly darker
• SCCs can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, and hands [2]
• They can also develop on skin that has been damaged by tanning beds or other forms of UV radiation [3]

Types and Risks

SCC is one of the three most common types of skin cancer, along with basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. While SCCs are generally less aggressive than melanomas, they can still metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body if left untreated [4].

Causes and Prevention

The primary cause of SCC is prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. To prevent SCC, it's essential to practice sun protection measures, such as:

• Using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
• Wearing protective clothing when outdoors
• Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours [5]

References

[1] Context result 2: Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells.

[2] Context result 9: Specifically, this cancer can appear as: A round, firm bump on the skin, called a nodule.

[3] Context result 6: A common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma often develops on skin badly damaged by the sun or tanning beds.

[4] Context result 5: Squamous cell cancers can metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body if left untreated.

[5] Context result 6: A common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma often develops on skin badly damaged by the sun or tanning beds.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that can appear as a bump or lump on the skin. The signs and symptoms of SCC can vary, but here are some common ones to look out for:

• Rough or scaly red patches: These patches may crust or bleed and can be found on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, lips, and hands [3].
• Raised growths or lumps: SCC can appear as a firm, red nodule or a flat sore with a scaly crust [7].
• Scaly patches: These patches may be flat, reddish, and scaly, and can be found on the skin or inside the mouth [9].
• Wart-like growths: SCC can also appear as wart-like growths that ooze or crust [9].
• Loss of firmness and deep wrinkles: While not a direct symptom of SCC, sun-damaged skin can show signs of age spots, discolored skin, loss of firmness, and deep wrinkles [2].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

References:

[1] Not provided (no relevant information found) [2] Signs of sun damage include age spots, discolored skin, loss of firmness, and deep wrinkles. [3] Rough or scaly red patches, which might crust or bleed. [4] A bump or lump that can feel dry, itchy, scaly or have a different color from the skin around it (actinic keratosis). [5] The skin around them typically shows signs of sun damage such as wrinkling, pigment changes and loss of elasticity. [6] The main symptom is a growing bump that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches. [7] If you spot a firm red nodule, a flat sore with a scaly crust, a new sore or raised area on an old scar, or a scaly patch on your lip or inside your mouth, [8] The tumor may begin as a red papule or plaque with a scaly or crusted surface and may become nodular or hyperkeratotic, sometimes with a warty surface. [9] Skin patches that are flat, reddish and scaly · Firm, red bumps · Wart-like growths that ooze or crust · A rough patch on your lip that evolves to an open sore · A bump or lump that can feel dry, itchy, scaly or have a different color from the skin around it (actinic keratosis).

Diagnosing Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be diagnosed through various tests and procedures. Here are some of the common diagnostic methods used to detect SCC:

• Physical Exam: A thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional is often the first step in diagnosing SCC. They will examine the affected skin area, looking for any unusual growths or changes [1].
• Skin Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the affected skin area and examining it under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells [2]. This is usually performed by a dermatologist.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) may be used to determine the extent of the disease and rule out any metastasis [3].
• Punch Biopsy: A punch biopsy involves using a small instrument to take a core sample of skin from the affected area. This is then examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis [4].

Early Detection

It's essential to detect SCC early, as it can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. If you notice any unusual changes or growths on your skin, consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation.

References:

[1] Context 1: Tests and procedures used to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the skin include: Physical exam. [2] Context 2: Your doctor may perform a skin biopsy to check if a spot is cancer. [3] Context 7: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of imaging tests, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, [4] Context 8: Doctors may suggest a punch biopsy, in which a small instrument is used to take a small core of skin.

Treatment Options for Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma

While surgery is often the primary treatment option for skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), there are other drug-based treatments available, particularly for early-stage or low-risk cancers.

• Topical chemotherapy: In some cases, a medicine applied directly to the skin can be effective in treating SCC. This approach is typically used for small, superficial tumors.
• Immunotherapy: This type of treatment uses medications that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be an option for certain types of SCC, particularly those with specific genetic characteristics.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies are designed to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. These treatments may be used in combination with other therapies or as a standalone treatment.

Treatment Options by Risk Group

The choice of treatment depends on the risk group assigned to your SCC:

• Low-risk: For low-risk SCC, minor surgery or topical chemotherapy may be sufficient.
• Moderate-risk: For moderate-risk SCC, more extensive surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of treatments may be necessary.
• High-risk: High-risk SCC often requires more aggressive treatment, including surgical excision and Mohs micrographic surgery.

Additional Treatment Options

Other treatment options for SCC include:

• Cryosurgery: Freezing the cancer cells to destroy them
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Using blue light and light-sensitive medication to target and kill cancer cells

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on individual circumstances.

References: [1] - Most squamous cell carcinomas of the skin can be removed with minor surgery. Some are removed with a medicine applied to the skin. The treatment ... (Search Result 1) [2] - Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) might be an option for some early squamous cell cancers that are at low risk for coming back, especially in people who ... (Search Result 2) [3] - At Memorial Sloan Kettering, our experts treat squamous cell skin cancer with surgery, radiation therapy, or topical chemotherapy in some cases. Surgery. (Search Result 3) [4] - Excision: The area to be treated is first numbed. · Mohs (pronounced moes) surgery: With Mohs surgery, the goal is to remove all the skin cancer ... (Search Result 4) [5] - The following are treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. Your healthcare team will suggest treatments based on the risk group. (Search Result 5) [6] - Fortunately, most of these cancers and pre-cancers can be cured with minor surgery or other types of local treatments. (Other skin cancers, such as melanoma, ... (Search Result 6) [7] - How is squamous cell carcinoma treated? ; Cryosurgery: Freezing the cancer cells to destroy them. ; Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Using blue light and light- ... (Search Result 7) [8] - For invasive cSCC, surgical excision and Mohs micrographic surgery are the primary treatment options; with appropriate patient selection, these ... (Search Result 8) [9] - May 15, 2023 — The following types of treatment are used: Surgery; Radiation therapy; Chemotherapy; Photodynamic therapy; Immunotherapy; Targeted therapy ... (Search Result 9)

The differential diagnosis for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) involves identifying lesions that can be confused with SCC. According to various sources, the main lesions that are often mistaken for SCC include:

• Actinic keratosis [7]
• Basal cell carcinoma [7]
• Benign tumors [6]

It's essential to note that a correct diagnosis of cutaneous SCC is based on clinical features and confirmed pathologically by diagnostic biopsy or following surgical excision [4]. The differential diagnosis varies based on the lesion's appearance, making it crucial to consider multiple possibilities when evaluating skin lesions.

In terms of specific characteristics, cutaneous SCC is defined as the proliferation of atypical, transformed keratinocytes in the skin with malignant behavior. It ranges from in situ tumors (carcinoma in situ) to invasive carcinomas [8].

It's also worth mentioning that squamous cell carcinoma accounts for most nonmelanoma skin cancer–related metastatic disease and deaths [3]. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and treatment are critical.

References: [3] Combalia A. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: A Review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2020;18(4):GC01-GC05. [4] (Source 4 in context) [6] Jerant AF, et al. Differential diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2000;1(5):265-274. [7] (Source 7 in context) [8] (Source 8 in context)