Squamous cell carcinoma (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.

Overview
The skin, as the largest organ in the body, covers and protects the organs inside the body, protecting the body against germs and preventing the loss of fluids. Squamous cell carcinoma origins the upper part of the epidermis. Usual signs involve rough and flat reddish patches, scars or skin ulcers, or other skin lesions. Skin biopsy can confirm whether the lesion is carcinoma or not. Treatments includes surgery and chemotherapy.

What are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma?
Usual signs are rough, flat reddish patches. Buy you need to pay more attention to the following signs:


 * A new growth


 * A spot or bump that's getting larger


 * A sore that doesn't heal within three months

Other skin problems may also cause lesions. Only a dermatologist can tell for sure. A person with any suspicious skin markings and any changes should go to see the dermatologist so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Conditions with similar symptoms are:
 * Eczema


 * Condyloma acuminata


 * Skin ulcer


 * Keratoacanthoma

Who is at the highest risk?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of squamous cell carcinoma is related to several factors.


 * Sunlight(solar UV radiation): Too much exposure to sunlight(solar UV radiation) is thought to be the biggest risk factor for most skin cancer.


 * Fair skin: Data show the Whites has much higher risk of skin cancer than that of dark-skinned African Americans.


 * Genetic factors: Doctors have found that certain people have more possibilities to get skin cancer after sun exposure than others.


 * Immunosuppressive factors: Clinical surveys suggest patients treated with immunosuppressive medicines such as transplant patients, have an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.


 * Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP): Patients with XP are at higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma because thay can not repair damage caused by sunlight.


 * Chemicals exposure: Work exposure large amounts of arsenic, tar, coal or paraffin increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma.


 * Radiation exposure


 * Age: Epidemiological data suggest that squamous cell carcinoma can be found in old people more than in younger people.


 * Gender: Men have a higher chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma than women.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Go to see your dermatologist if symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma develops.

Treatment options
Regular self-examinations are key to early detection of squamous cell carcinoma. Any time skin cancer is suspected, go to see a dermatologist. He may suggest you several tests such as:


 * Biopsy: At first the dermatologist check skin cancer through a visual examination of the skin and mucous membranes. Then, if malignancy is suspected, a biopsy will be performed. It is the most important measure for the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma.

Patients with squamous cell carcinoma have many treatment options. The selection depends on the stage of the tumor. The options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods. Before treatment starts, ask your health care team about possible side effects and how treatment may change your normal activities. Because cancer treatments often damage healthy cells and tissues, side effects are common. Side effect may not be the same for each person, and they may change from one treatment session to the next.


 * Surgery: Surgery depends on the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to distant organs.


 * Radiation therapy: If the tumor is very large, or if it is in an area hard to do surgery, radiation may be used as the main treatment. This treatment is to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing by using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation.


 * Chemotherapy: The treatment is to use drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing.

Where to find medical care for squamous cell carcinoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating squamous cell carcinoma

Prevention of squamous cell carcinoma
The best way to lower the risk of squamous cell carcinoma is to avoid too much exposure to the sun and other sources of UV light. Regular self check is also important.


 * Sun protection practices: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscream, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, stay in the shade, wear sunglasses.


 * Avoid other sources of UV light: Aavoidance of tanning beds and sun lamps.


 * Check for abnormal moles and have them removed: Regular self-examinations for your moles and go to see your dermatologist.

What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma depends on the following:


 * The stage of squamous cell carcinoma: Whether cancer is found in the layer of skin only, or has spread to the lymph nodes, or to distant places in the body.


 * The location and the size of the tumor


 * The patient’s general health

Possible Complications

 * Local spread of the tumor
 * Spread to other locations, including the internal organs