squamous cell neoplasm

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Type of Skin Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of cancer that affects the skin, characterized by the abnormal growth of squamous cells in the top layer of the epidermis. This condition occurs when there is an overproduction of these cells, leading to the formation of a tumor.

Causes and Risk Factors

Squamous cell carcinoma often develops on skin that has been damaged by exposure to the sun or tanning beds [1]. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources can increase the risk of developing SCC. Other factors, such as a weakened immune system, may also contribute to the development of this condition.

Characteristics and Symptoms

SCC is characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells [3]. The symptoms of SCC can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• A red or pink patch on the skin
• A sore that doesn't heal within a few weeks
• A lump or bump on the skin
• Itching or bleeding around the affected area

Types and Stages

Squamous cell carcinoma can be classified into different types based on its location and severity. The condition can range from superficial to invasive, with the latter being more serious [4]. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing the spread of SCC.

Treatment Options

Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, followed by monitoring for any signs of recurrence. In some cases, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary to ensure complete eradication of the cancer [9].

References: [1] - Aug 11, 2023 — Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the skin. [2] - Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer caused by the overproduction of squamous cells in the top layer of your skin (epidermis). [3] - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells. [4] - Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that occurs in the outermost part of the epidermis (skin surface) or the surface of certain portions of the body (areas of ... [5] - Apr 28, 2023 — A common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma often develops on skin badly damaged by the sun or tanning beds. [6] - Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales, and are found in the tissue that forms the surface of ... [7] - Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that begins in the squamous cells of the skin. ... Squamous cells (keratinocytes) are the main structural cells of the epidermis ... [8] - Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer in the middle and outer skin layers caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. [9] - Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer in the middle and outer skin layers caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Neoplasm

Squamous cell neoplasm, also known as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is a type of skin cancer that can appear on various parts of the body. The following are some common signs and symptoms associated with SCC:

• Rough or scaly patches: Thick, rough, scaly patches that may crust or bleed [4]
• Raised growths or lumps: Firm red nodules, flat sores with a scaly crust, new sores or raised areas on old scars [7]
• Open sores: Sores that don't completely heal, which can be open and bleeding [4]
• Red patches: Thickened, red, scaly spots on the skin that don't heal [6]
• Brown spots: Brown spots that resemble age spots or warts [8]

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these physical symptoms, SCC can also cause other symptoms such as:

• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Voice changes
• Earache

It's essential to note that not all SCCs will exhibit these symptoms, and some may appear without any noticeable signs. If you suspect you have SCC or any other type of skin cancer, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[4] - Thick, rough, scaly patches that may crust or bleed [6] - Thickened, red, scaly spots on the skin that don't heal [7] - Firm red nodules, flat sores with a scaly crust, new sores or raised areas on old scars [8] - Brown spots that resemble age spots or warts

Diagnostic Tests for Squamous Cell Neoplasm

Squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, can be diagnosed through various tests and examinations. Here are some of the diagnostic methods used to detect this condition:

• Biopsy: A biopsy is a medical procedure where a sample of tissue from the affected area is taken and examined under a microscope. This test can confirm the presence of squamous cell carcinoma and differentiate it from other types of skin cancers [1][2].
• Physical Exam: A physical examination by a doctor, including a skin examination, can help identify suspicious areas that may be indicative of squamous cell carcinoma [3].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI 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].

Early Detection and Screening

Regular screening exams are recommended to improve the likelihood of detecting lesions before they have progressed to an advanced stage. This can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes.

• Skin Examination: A skin examination by a doctor can help identify early signs of squamous cell carcinoma, making it easier to treat [5].

References

[1] Context 2: "Your doctor may perform a skin biopsy to check if a spot is cancer."

[2] Context 5: "Diagnosis is routinely confirmed by biopsy, and histological examination will differentiate between in situ and invasive SCC and detect aggressive features."

[3] Context 8: "NYU Langone doctors diagnose basal and squamous cell skin cancers with a physical exam and the results of biopsy. Skin Examination."

[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 other parts of the body..."

[5] Context 9: "Squamous cell carcinoma can be diagnosed early, and regular screening exams are recommended to improve the likelihood of detecting lesions before they have progressed..."

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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

• Topical therapy: Topical chemotherapy and immune response modifiers are nonsurgical options for treating SCC. Drugs like 5-fluorouracil (Efudex) or imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) can be applied directly to the skin to treat the cancer [7].
• Systemic chemotherapy: While systemic chemotherapy is not usually offered for SCC, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) has been approved by the FDA for treating recurrent or metastatic SCC that cannot be cured with radiation or surgery [8].
• Targeted therapy: Cemiplimab-rwlc injection has been approved to treat certain types of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC; skin cancer) that has spread to nearby tissues [9].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug therapies, SCC can also be treated with minor surgery or a medicine applied to the skin. Topical immune response modifiers and topical chemotherapy are nonsurgical options for treating SCC.

• Surgery: Most squamous cell carcinomas of the skin can be removed with minor surgery [5].
• Medicine applied to the skin: Some SCCs can be treated with a medicine applied directly to the skin [5].

References

[1] Not applicable (this information is not relevant to the context)

[2] Not applicable (this information is not relevant to the context)

[3] Not applicable (this information is not relevant to the context)

[4] Not applicable (this information is not relevant to the context)

[5] Aug 11, 2023 — 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 options for SCC depend on the stage and location of the cancer.

[6] Apr 18, 2024 — Nonsurgical options for the treatment of cSCC include topical chemotherapy and topical immune response modifiers.

[7] The topical therapy drugs used are 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, Efudex) or imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara). Systemic chemotherapy is not usually offered for SCC. But it has been approved for treating recurrent or metastatic SCC that cannot be cured with radiation or surgery.

[8] In June 2020, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic SCC that is not curable by radiation or surgery.

[9] Jun 15, 2023 — Cemiplimab-rwlc injection is used to treat certain types of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC; skin cancer) that has spread to nearby tissues.

The differential diagnosis for squamous cell neoplasm, also known as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), involves a range of conditions that can present with similar clinical features.

Key Differential Diagnoses:

• Actinic keratosis [3]
• Basal cell carcinoma [1], [3]
• Atypical fibroxanthoma [1]
• Verruca vulgaris [3]
• Seborrheic keratosis [3]
• Psoriasis [3]

Other Conditions to Consider:

• Equine sarcoid [4]
• Hemangiosarcoma [4]
• Pigmented basal cell carcinoma and melanoma [5]

These conditions can be differentiated from SCC through a combination of clinical features, histopathological examination, and other diagnostic tests.

Clinical Features to Differentiate:

• Scaling plaques should be differentiated from basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, verruca vulgaris, seborrheic keratosis, psoriasis [3]
• The main clinical differential diagnoses are pigmented basal cell carcinoma and melanoma [5]

Diagnostic Tests:

• Diagnosis of cutaneous SCC is based on clinical features. The diagnosis and histological subtype are confirmed through histopathological examination [6], [7]

Note that the differential diagnosis for squamous cell neoplasm can vary depending on the specific context and location of the lesion.

References:

[1] Apr 18, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses · Actinic Keratosis · Allergic Contact Dermatitis · Atopic Dermatitis · Atypical Fibroxanthoma · Basal Cell Carcinoma. [3] Differential diagnosis​​ Scaling plaques should be differentiated from basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, verruca vulgaris, seborrheic keratosis, psoriasis ... [4] The differential diagnosis includes other proliferative and invasive soft tissue lesions of the lips, including equine sarcoid, hemangiosarcoma, basal cell ... [5] by PM de Morais · 2018 · Cited by 17 — The main clinical differential diagnoses are pigmented basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. [6] How is squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed? Diagnosis of cutaneous SCC is based on clinical features. The diagnosis and histological subtype are confirmed ... [7] by N Noroozi · 2016 · Cited by 23 — Currently, differential diagnosis is done by pathologists based on examination of the histopathological slides under the microscope, which is ...