Characteristics of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer and categorized as a nonmelanoma skin cancer. Twenty percent of the skin cancer diagnoses in the United States are squamous cell. This type of skin cancer is usually caused by sun damage. If treated early, squamous cell carcinoma has a 95 percent or above cure rate, and most treatments occur in a dermatologist's office.

The Skin's Purpose and Skin Cancer

• The skin is the largest organ of the human body. On average, the skin weighs about six pounds. Its primary function is to regulate body temperature, but it also protects us from heat, light, injury and infection.

  Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and there are three types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. All skin cancers are treatable if diagnosed early. However, melanoma has the most fatalities, with a 50 percent survival rate.

Squamous Cell Statistics

• Squamous cell carcinoma can spread locally to the lymph nodes if not treated, and spreads faster than basal cell carcinoma. However, this type of cancer does have a 95 percent cure rate. Although anyone with significant skin damage can develop squamous cell carcinoma, men are three times more like than women to be diagnosed with this type of skin cancer. Adults older than 50 are more at risk for all skin cancers.

Squamous Cell Symptoms

• Squamous cell carcinoma is usually found on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun like the head, ears, neck, face and arms. The cancer looks like a scaly patch of skin or a bump that is red and crusty. Other symptoms include a sore that does not heal and any changes to a pre-existing wart, mole or skin lesion.

  If a sore, mole or other skin condition changes in appearance, color, size or texture, see a dermatologist. A common tool to use is called the ABCDs of skin cancer. If the mole becomes assymetrical, the border changes, the color changes, the diameter changes, or if the mole becomes sensitive, go see a dermatologist.

Risk Factors

• Skin damage is the main risk factor for squamous cell; however, other risk factors exist. If you have been exposed to chemicals, arsenic, a high number of X-rays, are older than age 50 or have fair skin, you are at a higher risk to develop squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatment

• Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma depends on the size of the tumor, its location and whether it has spread. Common treatments include surgical removal of the tumor, microscopic shaving and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is a last-resort treatment, since the success rate is low.