Like most types of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma can be classified according to stage. The stages, which are given roman numerals from 0 to IV, describe how far the cancer has advanced. Squamous cell carcinoma stages are determined based on the TNM system of characteristics, which includes the tumor (its size, location, and depth), the nearby lymph nodes (whether the cancer has spread to these immune system structures) and metastasis (how far throughout the body the cancer has spread). Based on considerations for each of those characteristics, the cancer can be staged anywhere from 0 to IV. Stage 0 means there's no spread and the tumor is only on the top layer of skin, and stage IV means the cancer has spread to distant organs, lymph nodes, and other tissue.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Regional Medical Center answeredSymptoms of squamous cell carcinoma usually begin with some kind of skin lesion or growth. Often, the tumors of squamous cell carcinoma will look like a red bump or a scaly red patch of skin that won't heal. Tumors are often crusty and raised, and they may look like sores or ulcers that won't heal. Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly develops on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun (such as the face, neck, and arms) but can develop almost anywhere, including the mouth and anus. The lesions are also more likely to develop on skin that's already been damaged, either by a scar or by a chronic skin infection or ulcer. If you notice any suspicious symptoms, especially sores that won't heal, talk to your doctor.
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Regional Medical Center answered
There are several steps you can take to prevent squamous cell carcinoma, or at least to reduce your risk for the disease. Because sun exposure is such a significant risk factor, the best thing you can do to prevent squamous cell carcinoma is to limit your sun exposure. Avoid the sun when it's at its strongest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If you can't avoid the sun, wear a strong sunscreen year-round, and wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. In general, take care of your overall health by eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and quit smoking or don't smoke. Finally, make sure you check your skin frequently, and see a doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms that may be caused by squamous cell carcinoma.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Having squamous cell carcinoma may increase your risk for developing other types of skin cancer. This may be due, in part, to the fact that sun exposure is one of the biggest risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma and for a variety of other types of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma can also recur, or come back, at another location even after it's been treated. Because of these risks, it's important to continue to check your skin regularly for any new or suspicious lesions or growths.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Squamous cell carcinoma begins in the squamous cells, or keratinocytes, that make up your top layer of skin. When the DNA that controls the cells' growth is damaged, it causes an overgrowth and buildup of skin cells. This results in the symptoms you see, such as red bumps or scaly patches on your skin. Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly affects areas of skin that are exposed to the sun (especially the face, neck, and arms), but may develop almost anywhere on the body. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can spread through the skin and through the rest of the body.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Managing your squamous cell carcinoma on a daily basis begins with treatment. Once you've been treated, it's important to check in with your doctor regularly to make sure the cancer hasn't come back or spread. It's also very important to continue checking your own skin frequently, especially in the area where the cancer originally occurred. Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing. Taking care of your overall health is important for managing squamous cell carcinoma, so eat a balanced diet and don't smoke. Care for your emotional health, too, by taking advantage of resources like counseling, support groups, and friends and family.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Once you get treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, it's important to talk to your doctor about what kind of follow-up care you'll need. In general, you should care for your overall health with a balanced, nutritious diet, exercise if possible, and plenty of rest. You should continue to check your skin frequently for any new symptoms in case the cancer returns. You should also check in with your doctor for regular appointments to make sure the cancer hasn't come back or spread. These appointments are usually every several months for the first year. If you notice any symptoms or side effects of treatment, or if you notice any new skin lesions, talk to your doctor right away.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma can be difficult to diagnose because it so closely resembles other skin conditions. The first step in diagnosing spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma is usually a physical exam that includes an inspection of your skin and a review of your medical history. Then doctors will perform a biopsy, which involves removing a part of the affected skin and analyzing it under a microscope. Analysis with a microscope is the most important step in diagnosing the cancer because it lets doctors differentiate spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma from other conditions.
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Regional Medical Center answered
The first step in diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma is usually a physical exam that includes an inspection of your skin and a review of your medical history. Then, if doctors suspect squamous cell carcinoma, they will perform a biopsy, which involves removing a part of the affected skin and analyzing it under a microscope. Most of the time, doctors will shave off the skin's top layers to biopsy the squamous cell carcinoma. Sometimes, for larger or deeper tumors, doctors may cut out all or a part of the growth.
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Regional Medical Center answered
The first step in diagnosing Stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma is usually a physical exam that includes an inspection of your skin and a review of your medical history. Then, if doctors suspect squamous cell carcinoma, they will perform a biopsy, which involves removing a part of the affected skin and analyzing it under a microscope. At Stage 1, squamous cell carcinoma tumors are small and shallow, so doctors will usually shave off the skin's top layers to biopsy the squamous cell carcinoma. If it is a deeper tumor, doctors may surgically remove part or all of the growth for study.