Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common form of skin cancer, originating in the squamous cells found in the outer layers of the skin. Like many cancers, SCC is categorized into stages, which describe how much cancer is in the body and how far it has spread. This staging system helps medical professionals determine the extent of the disease and guide treatment decisions.
Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma Staging
Cancer staging provides a standardized way to describe the extent of cancer within the body. For squamous cell carcinoma, the widely accepted method involves the TNM system, which considers three main factors. “T” refers to the primary tumor’s size and how deeply it has grown into the skin or surrounding tissues. “N” indicates whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the body’s immune system. “M” denotes whether the cancer has metastasized, meaning it has spread to distant parts of the body, such as other organs.
Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma means the cancer has progressed beyond its initial site. This stage typically means the tumor has grown larger, deeper, or has spread to regional lymph nodes, but has not yet spread to distant organs. For skin SCC, Stage 3 may involve a tumor larger than 4 centimeters, or a smaller tumor that has spread to one or more nearby lymph nodes. This stage also includes tumors that have grown into deeper structures like bone, muscle, or nerves.
Identifying Stage 3 Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Diagnosing Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma begins with a thorough physical examination, inspecting the skin for suspicious growths or lesions. If a suspicious area is found, a biopsy is performed to confirm the presence of cancer and to analyze its characteristics. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination, which helps determine the type and aggressiveness of cancer cells.
Additional tests are often necessary to assess the extent of spread and confirm Stage 3. Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI, or PET scans visualize the tumor’s size, depth of invasion, and check for involvement of regional lymph nodes or other nearby structures. A sentinel lymph node biopsy, which identifies and removes the first lymph node cancer cells are likely to spread to, provides crucial information about regional spread. These steps collectively help determine precise staging and inform the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Approaches for Stage 3
Treatment for Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining several methods. Surgery is a primary treatment modality, to remove the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgical removal of these affected nodes is typically performed.
Radiation therapy frequently complements surgical intervention, especially for larger tumors, deep invasion, or lymph node involvement. Radiation uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells that may remain after surgery or in areas where surgery is not feasible. In some instances, systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy may be considered. These treatments work throughout the body to kill cancer cells and are often reserved for more advanced or aggressive Stage 3 cases.
Living with Stage 3 Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Following a diagnosis and treatment for Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma, ongoing management and monitoring are important. Regular follow-up appointments with medical professionals are necessary to watch for recurrence or new lesions. These appointments typically involve physical examinations and may include imaging studies to ensure the cancer has not returned or spread.
Individuals may experience long-term effects from treatments, such as scarring from surgery or changes to the skin from radiation therapy. Supportive care can help manage these effects and improve quality of life. While Stage 3 SCC indicates a more advanced disease than earlier stages, it is often treatable but requires vigilant oversight due to the increased risk of recurrence or spread. Maintaining open communication with the healthcare team is essential.