The first step in diagnosing stage 2 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 stage 2 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 2, the squamous cell carcinomas are usually larger, so doctors often surgically remove part or all of the growth for analysis. If it's still relatively shallow, doctors may instead shave off the skin's top layers to biopsy the squamous cell carcinoma.
Stage 2 Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma is the third stage of this common form of skin cancer, often caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. One visible sign is red, scaly patches on the skin. If stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma is left untreated, the tumor grows and advances to stage 2. Learn more about risks, prevention and treatment of stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma with expert advice from Sharecare.
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Reston Hospital Center answeredTreatment options for stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma include surgical and non-surgical procedures. Since stage 2 tumors are larger than those of earlier stages, doctors often use a procedure called Mohs surgery, which involves removing the tumor layer by layer and testing each layer for cancer. This method is good for larger tumors or those on layers of thin, sensitive skin because it helps preserve as much tissue as possible. Another common method is simple excision, which involves surgically removing the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue. Sometimes, doctors may remove the squamous cell carcinoma using curettage and electrodessication, which involves scraping off the top layers of skin and then burning the base of the tumor with an electric needle. In other cases, doctors may recommend cryosurgery (freezing the tumor) or laser therapy (burning the tumor). If the tumor is still shallow, doctors may treat stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma with topical chemotherapy, which involves applying strong drugs to the affected skin.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
Symptoms of stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma usually begin with some kind of skin lesion or growth. Often, the tumors of stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma will look like a red bump or a scaly red patch of skin that won't heal. These tumors are often crusty and raised, and they may look like sores or ulcers that last for several weeks. At stage 2, these tumors may be getting larger, but they usually haven't penetrated too deeply into the skin. Stage 2 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.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
If you notice symptoms of stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma, you should talk to your doctor. Symptoms are often hard to distinguish from other conditions because they may just look like dry, irritated skin or a pesky sore. However, if you notice any of these symptoms that don't heal after a few weeks, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor. It's beneficial to catch squamous cell carcinoma while it's still in stage 2 because the earlier it's diagnosed and treated, the more likely your chance for a full recovery.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
The most significant risk factor for stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma is leaving stage 0 or stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma untreated. Another big risk factor is excessive sun exposure, especially exposure to a lot of ultraviolet (UV) rays over an entire lifetime. Having fair skin may increase your risk, because lighter skin doesn't have a lot of pigment to protect from the sun. Medical conditions such as certain genetic disorders, chronic skin inflammation, or a weakened immune system may increase your risk for stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma. Age and sex 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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Reston Hospital Center answered
Stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma is the third stage of development of a relatively common type of skin cancer. It begins in the squamous cells, or keratinocytes, which are the major cells that make up the outer layer of skin. Stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma causes scaly, red patches to form on skin, often in sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. During stage 2, squamous cell carcinoma is quite treatable because the tumor still hasn't spread past the skin, but it can spread to other areas of the body if it's left untreated.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
Stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells, or keratinocytes, which make up the 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 stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma, the DNA that controls that growth cycle is damaged, most commonly by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This causes an overgrowth and buildup of squamous cells, which forms a squamous cell carcinoma. If a stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma is left untreated, it will grow larger and advance to stage 2.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
Stage 2 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. In this stage, the tumor may be larger (more than 2 centimeters in diameter), but it hasn't penetrated too deeply into the skin (usually no more than a few millimeters). Stage 2 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.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
Alternative treatments won't cure stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma, but some options may help improve general health. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants may be beneficial to people with stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma. Vitamin supplements, especially vitamin D, may be used in addition to a healthful diet. Some people with stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma may benefit from relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and exercise to cope with the stress of diagnosis and treatment.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
There are several things you can do that may help prevent stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma. If you are diagnosed with stage 0 or stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma, the most important way to prevent it from advancing to stage 2 is to get treatment right away. It's also important to check your skin regularly for any unusual symptoms, especially if you've had an earlier stage of squamous cell carcinoma or if you've had any type of skin cancer. To prevent squamous cell carcinoma from developing in the first place, one important thing you can do is to limit your sun exposure. Avoid the sun when it's at its strongest (10 a.m to 4 p.m.). If you are outside, wear a strong sunscreen year-round, and wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. Take care of your overall health by eating a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, and don't smoke or quit smoking.