Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that affects the middle layer of the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, the esophagus, the lungs, bladder, stomach, and the cervix. It is a malignant tumour of epithelium that shows squamous cell differentiation.

Squamous cell carcinomas account for about 20% of non-melanoma skin cancers, but are clinically more significant because of their ability to metastasize. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually developed in the epithelial layer of the skin and sometimes in different mucous membranes of the body. This type of cancer can be seen on the skin, lips, inside the mouth, throat or esophagus. This type of cancer is characterized by red, scaly skin that becomes an open sore.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Picture

Squamous cell carcinoma occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, such as the ears, lower lip, and the back of the hands. Squamous cell carcinoma may also appear on areas of the skin that have been burned or exposed to chemicals or radiation. Often this cancer appears as a firm red bump. Sometimes the tumor may feel scaly or bleed or develop a crust. Squamous cell tumors may spread to nearby lymph nodes.

• Skin lesion, growth, or bump
• Small
• Firm
• Reddened
• Nodule or flat growth
• Growth may be cone-shaped
• Surface may be scaly or crusted
• Usually located on the face, ears, neck, hands, arms
• May occur on the lip, mouth, tongue, genitals or other areas

Basal cell carcinoma is diagnosed by biopsy of a suspicious skin lesion.

The treatment varies with the tumor's size, depth, location and how much it has spread (metastasis).

Surgical removal of the tumor, which may include removal of the skin around the tumor (wide excision), is often recommended. Microscopic shaving (Mohs' surgery) may remove small tumors. Skin grafting may be needed if wide areas of skin are removed.

The tumor may be reduced in size by radiation treatments.

Chemotherapy can be used if surgery and radiation fail, but it is usually minimally effective.

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma may include the following:

• Mohs micrographic surgery.
• Simple excision.
• Electrodesiccation and curettage.
• Cryosurgery.
• Radiation therapy.
• Topical chemotherapy with fluorouracil.
• Laser surgery.
• A clinical trial of biologic therapy.
• A clinical trial of biologic therapy and retinoids.

Follow-up skin exams are important for people with squamous cell carcinoma. Because squamous cell carcinoma can spread, patients should have skin exams every 3 months for several years after treatment and then every 6 months.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends mostly on the stage of the Basal Cell Carcinoma cancer and the type of treatment used to remove the cancer. Treatment options depend on the following:

Most (95%) of squamous cell tumors may be cured if removed promptly. New tumors may develop, so affected individuals should be diligent about examining the skin. Regular examination by the health care provider is usually required.