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.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A highly curable skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (pronounced SKWAY-mus sel KAR-sih-NOH-muh) affects the cells that form your skin's outer layer. If you have fair skin, like tanning beds or sunburn easily, you're at risk for developing this common cancer.
Also called epidermoid carcinoma, this non-melanoma skin cancer may develop from the skin condition actinic keratosis (pronounced ak-TIH-nik KAYR-uh-TOH-sis), which gives your skin thick, scaly patches.
If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can develop into large tumors and spread to nearby lymph nodes, a direct link to your immune system. However, when caught early, it is very rare for squamous cell carcinoma and its sister skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, to spread. See your doctor immediately if you notice wounds that do not heal or changes in your skin, especially moles.
Recently Answered
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Regional Medical Center answeredAlternative treatments will not cure Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma, but some options may help reduce symptoms or improve general health when used along with other medical treatment. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants may be good for people with Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma. Vitamin supplements, especially vitamin D, may be used in addition to a healthful diet. Some people with Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma may benefit from relaxation techniques, like yoga and exercise, to cope with the stress of diagnosis and treatment. Other alternative treatments may include meditation and prayer.
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Regional Medical Center answered
It's possible for people of any skin type and color to develop squamous cell carcinoma. However, it's much more common among people with fair skin than people with dark skin. This is because darker skin contains more pigment to protect from UV rays. It's still important for people of all complexions to check their skin regularly for any symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells, or keratinocytes, which make up your outer layer of skin. Normally, these cells go through a growth cycle in which old cells die and are pushed out by new cells continuously. In squamous cell carcinoma, the DNA that controls that growth cycle is damaged, most commonly by UV radiation from the sun. This causes an overgrowth and buildup of squamous cells, which forms a squamous cell carcinoma.
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Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 Answers
The most significant risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma seems to be excessive sun exposure, especially exposure to a lot of ultraviolet (UV) rays over an entire lifetime. Another risk factor is having fair skin, because it doesn't have a lot of pigment to protect from the sun. Other medical conditions such as certain genetic disorders, chronic skin inflammation, or a weakened immune system may increase your risk for squamous cell carcinoma. Age and gender may also come into play because males and older people are much more commonly affected by the disease. Other risk factors may include smoking and a personal or family history of skin cancer.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Squamous cell carcinoma very rarely affects children. The average age when people are first diagnosed with the condition is 66 years old. In general, younger people are currently being affected by squamous cell carcinoma much more frequently. However, it's still very rare for children to develop this condition because it's often caused by a lifetime of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Actinic keratoses are a type of precancerous growth that has the potential to become squamous cell carcinoma. These growths, which are caused by excessive, chronic sun exposure, are pink, red, or brown patches of rough, scaly skin. Doctors may want to remove these growths to reduce the risk of them turning into cancer. They're usually removed through cryosurgery (using liquid nitrogen to freeze the cells) or through a topical cream that kills cancerous cells from the outside in. Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of actinic keratosis.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Sun exposure is one of the most significant risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma. Sun exposure, especially over a lifetime, greatly increases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation your skin gets. It's thought that those UV rays damage DNA and cause squamous cell carcinoma. Because of this risk, it's a good idea to avoid excessive sun exposure and to protect your skin with sunscreen and protective clothing.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma (SCSCC) begins in the cells in the epidermis, the top layer of skin. When the DNA that controls the cells' growth is damaged, it causes an overgrowth and buildup of skin cells. Those cells interlace with the collagen in your skin, causing tumors to form in your skin. This leads to the symptoms you see, such as red bumps or scaly patches on your skin. SCSCC 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. SCSCC is more aggressive than other types of squamous cell carcinoma, and if left untreated, it can grow deep into the skin and may metastasize, or spread through the rest of the body.
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Regional Medical Center answeredSpindle cell squamous cell carcinoma is one of the more aggressive types of squamous cell carcinoma, so it may spread throughout the body. Many times, this cancer affects only the skin and some of the surrounding tissue. However, if it's left untreated, spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma may metastasize, or spread throughout the body. If this happens, it first spreads to nearby lymph nodes and can later progress to distant organs. If it's caught early, before it begins to spread, treatments for spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma are usually effective at stopping the spread of the cancer.