Squamous Cell Carcinoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Squamous cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that is quite common. This cancer is often found in parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, such as the head, neck, ears, lips, hands, and feet.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a slow-growing cancer. This skin cancer can spread to nearby tissues, bones, and lymph nodes. The spread of cancer cells makes this disease difficult to treat. If caught early, this cancer can be cured.
Symptom
At first, squamous cell carcinoma looks like a small, dome-shaped lump or red, scaly rash. Squamous cell carcinoma is also fragile and bleeds easily. This skin cancer is also usually rough, like a crust and can arise from scar tissue or chronic wounds.
Reason
UV rays from the sun or tanning beds are the main cause of squamous cell carcinoma. UV rays damage the DNA of the skin and cause skin cells to grow uncontrollably.
In addition, there are other risk factors that are also associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Some of them are:
- Age factor, where old age is more susceptible to it
- Gender factor, where squamous cell carcinoma is more common in men than women
- People with lighter skin tones
- People with blue, green, or gray eye color
- Red or blonde-haired people
- People exposed to chemicals such as arsenic for a long time
- Sufferers of Bowen’s disease, HPV infection, and HIV/AIDS
- People exposed to radiation
- People who have inherited genetic disorders
Diagnosis
In determining the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, the doctor will conduct a medical interview and physical examination. A physical examination is carried out for lumps on the skin and nearby lymph nodes.
Other supporting examinations such as a biopsy (taking tissue samples) need to be carried out for further examination in the laboratory. Examination of tissue samples can determine whether cancer cells are present.
Treatment
Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin depends on its location and size. Some types of treatment that can be done are:
- Excision of the tumor, which is cutting out the skin cancer and its surroundings
- Curette and electrodesiccation with electricity to kill other cancer cells
- Cryosurgery, namely killing cancer cells by freezing cancer cells using liquid nitrogen
- Mohs surgery, which removes the tumor from layer to layer and checks directly whether the cells are cancer before moving to the lower layers
- Lymph node surgery
- Dermabrasion, which is scraping off cancerous skin to make way for new layers
- Topical chemotherapy
Prevention
The preventive measure against squamous cell carcinoma is to avoid excessive exposure to UV light. Especially avoid UV rays from 10 am to 2 pm when UVB is strongest.
Use sunscreen for added protection. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 60–80 minutes when outdoors. Use closed clothing to avoid sunlight. Also, avoid using tanning beds.
Get regular checkups if you’ve had skin cancer before, as new skin cancers can appear.