Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common form of skin cancer. Understanding its characteristics and potential consequences is important for maintaining skin health. This knowledge helps individuals identify suspicious skin changes and seek timely medical attention.
What Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is
Squamous cell carcinoma develops from squamous cells, flat cells located in the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. SCC occurs when DNA damage, often from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, causes these cells to grow abnormally.
SCC commonly appears in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, lower lip, hands, and arms. It can manifest as scaly red patches, open sores, or elevated growths that may crust, itch, or bleed. Risk factors include fair skin, light-colored hair and eyes, significant sun exposure, and tanning bed use.
How Squamous Cell Carcinoma Can Be Dangerous
Squamous cell carcinoma can grow aggressively and spread. While many cases are curable when detected early, untreated SCC can invade deeper tissues and metastasize. This spread, known as metastasis, typically involves the lymph nodes first, and can then extend to distant organs like the lungs, bones, central nervous system, and liver.
Compared to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SCC is considered more dangerous due to its higher likelihood to metastasize. Although BCC rarely spreads, SCC can metastasize in 3-5% of cases in the general population, and even higher in specific groups like organ transplant recipients (5-7%). Untreated, SCC can lead to local tissue damage, disfigurement, and in rare but serious instances, become life-threatening. The risk of SCC spreading is higher if the cancer is large, grows deeply, affects mucous membranes, or occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Identifying and Treating Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Recognizing the signs of squamous cell carcinoma and seeking early medical evaluation is important for effective treatment. Suspicious skin changes include a persistent, scaly red patch, a firm, raised lump that may crust or bleed, or a sore that heals and then reopens. Any skin sore that bleeds or crusts for more than three weeks, or a rapidly enlarging, tender nodule, should prompt a doctor’s visit.
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination by a healthcare provider. To confirm diagnosis and determine cancer depth, a skin biopsy is performed, where a tissue sample is removed and examined under a microscope. Treatment options for SCC vary depending on the cancer’s size, location, depth, and whether it has spread. Common treatments include surgical excision, which involves removing the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue, and Mohs micrographic surgery, a technique that removes cancer layer by layer while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. Other treatments for smaller SCCs include cryosurgery (freezing), curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning), or radiation therapy. For advanced cases, or when SCC has spread, targeted therapies or immunotherapy may be used.
Preventing Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Preventing squamous cell carcinoma focuses on reducing ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended, applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., significantly lowers UV exposure. Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts, also offers protection.
Avoiding tanning beds is important, as they emit concentrated UV radiation that increases skin cancer risk. Regular self-skin exams are encouraged to identify any new or changing skin lesions, looking for unusual moles, spots with irregular borders, or sores that do not heal. Annual professional dermatological check-ups are important, particularly for individuals with increased risk factors, allowing professionals to detect and treat abnormalities before they advance.