What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a skin cancer that develops from the squamous cells of the middle and outer layers of the skin. SCC can occur in all areas where squamous cells are found, but it most commonly forms in areas of the body with prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. The characteristics of SCC can vary from person to person – it can appear as raised growths with an area of central depression, wart-like, scaly red patches that may crust, or as open sores that don’t completely heal. Although some variants can be aggressive, SCC is usually treatable if caught early. If left untreated, however, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause further complications.
Risk Factors
Excessive UV exposure (from the sun or indoor tanning) is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including SCC. If you’ll be in the sun, generously apply a sunscreen that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more and provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Other risk factors include: history of sunburns, age >50, being male, weakened immune system due to another medical condition or medication side effect, history of HPV infection, fair skin, history of sun-sensitive conditions,chronic skin inflammation or infection, family history of skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma), precancerous skin lesions (e.g. actinic keratosis), or previous personal history of skin cancer.
Things to Look Out For
SCC can develop anywhere on the body, especially in areas directly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and areas with previous skin injury. Therefore, if you’re at an increased risk, it’s important to examine yourself from head to toe on a monthly basis. You should be on the lookout for any new or evolving lesions that don’t heal.
SCC lesions may not always be obvious to the untrained eye, so promptly make an appointment to see a dermatologist for evaluationif you spot something that is even mildly concerning. In general, annual skin exams with a dermatologist is recommended. This is especially important for adults who have risk factors for skin cancer, such as lots of sun exposure or a history of skin cancers or precancers.
Diagnosis
The first step of diagnosing SCC will consist of obtaining a thorough history about your health and medical history, as well as a comprehensive examination of your skin. If SCC is suspected, your doctor will obtain a biopsy of the suspicious tissue that will be sent to the laboratory to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on many factors including SCC location,size, staging,your age, and condition of your health. Options for treating SCC may include curettage & electrodesiccation, topical therapy, excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, and/or radiation therapy. For more advanced SCC, options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Dr. Shive can review the risks and benefits of each approach and help you decide which one is best for you.