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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma affecting more than 200,000 Americans each year. The squamous cell is found in the outer layers of the skin (the epidermis) and is a type of Keratinocyte (a cell that makes the protein Keratin). Squamous cell cancers may occur in all areas of the body, including mucous membranes, but are most common in the areas which are exposed to the sun.

Although squamous cell carcinomas usually remain confined to the epidermis for some time, they can eventually penetrate the underlying tissues if not treated and in a small percentage of cases spread (metastasize) to distant tissues and organs. When this happens, they can be fatal. Squamous cell carcinomas that metastasize most often arise on the sides of chronic inflammatory skin conditions or on the mucous membranes or lips.

[Skin Cancer Foundation]

Types of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In Situ (SCC)

In Situ Carcinoma presents as red scaley patches up to several centimeters wide, often found in large numbers on the lower legs. “In Situ” means that malignant cells are confined to the epidermis, the outside layer of the skin. “In Situ” (SCC) can develop into evasive (SCC).

In Situ (SCC0 may be caused by sun exposure due to the fact that ultraviolet radiation damages the skin cell nucleic acids (DNA) resulting in the mutant of the Gene P53. This sets off uncontrolled growth of skin cells. Ultraviolet radiation also suppresses the immune response preventing recovery from this damage.

Immunosuppression from drugs such as Protopic or Elidel can also cause In Situ (SCC). The longer the course, the more likely the skin cancer will arise, especially in sun damaged skin. In Situ (SCC) may also be caused by human papillmavirus infection. This rarely causes In Situ (SCC) on the skin, although it does more so frequently on the genitals.

The ingestion of arsenic characteristically results in multiple areas of NC2 SCC on the trunk and limbs some years after exposure. Exposure to ionized radiation - (NC2 SCC) is common on the hands of radiologists.The development of a lump or bleeding may indicate progression into evasive SCC and occurs in about 5% of lesions.

Metastatic SCC

Most SCC's remain localized, but they can occasionally spread to other sides of the body. These secondary growths are known as metasteses. Metasteses usually develop in the nearest lymph node glands, if the original SCC is on the lip or ear. Secondary growths are more difficult to treat than original skin lesions. Surgery may not always remove them completely.

Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The treatment for SCC depends on the type, the size and the location, and the number of lesions to be treated.

1. The first type of treatment is excision, the region is cut out and the skin is stitched up. This is the most common treatment for invasive SCC.
2. There's cryotherapy. Dermatologists sometimes use liquid nitrogen which is suitable for small or flat lesions of NC2 SCC.
3. Shave, cutterage and cautery - many skin cancers can successfully be treated by shaving off or scraping up the lesion and then cauterizing the base.
4. Complex surgery - patients with larger lesions or one in a difficult site may be referred to a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon who may create a flap or a graph to repair the defect after excision. Mohs micrographic surgery may be necessary.
5. Radiotherapy (X-ray treatment) - radiation treatment can be used for some skin cancers usually on the face.
6. Fluorouracil Cream - this cytotopic cream applied for several weeks often clears NC2 SCC. It causes a vigorous skin reaction that may ulcerate. Sometimes, the lesion reoccurs months or years later when it may be treated again with the same method.

The authors of this website are not medical professionals, nor do they warrant the correctness of the materials on this page, or the cites linked. Please consult your own medical team to make informed decisions regarding any potential cancerous conditions.

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