If you notice symptoms of stage 3 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. This is especially important because by the time it's reached stage 3, the cancer has already started to spread to other parts of the body. The earlier it's diagnosed and treated, the better your chance for a full recovery, so see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.
Stage 3 Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma is the fourth stage of this common form of skin cancer, which begins in the squamous cells. These cells, or keratinocytes, make up the outer layer of the skin. At this stage the cancer has started to spead past the skin into nearby tissue, bone and lymph nodes. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma, including Mohs surgery, with expert advice from Sharecare.
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Reston Hospital Center answeredSymptoms of stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma usually begin with some kind of skin lesion or growth. Often, the tumors of stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma 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 3, these tumors may be getting larger, both in diameter and in depth. Stage 3 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
Stage 3 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 3 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 an earlier stage of squamous cell carcinoma is left untreated, it will advance to stage 3, meaning it will grow larger and begin to spread to other areas of the body.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma is the fourth 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 3 squamous cell carcinoma causes scaly, red patches to form on skin, often in sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. During stage 3, squamous cell carcinoma has begun to spread past the skin and into nearby tissue, bone, and lymph nodes.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
Stage 3 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 a tumor that causes the symptoms you see, such as red bumps or scaly patches on your skin. Stage 3 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. In this stage, the tumor may be large (more than 2 centimeters in diameter), and it may penetrate through the skin and into facial bone. Stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma may have also begun to spread into nearby lymph nodes, which are structures that help the body's immune system.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
The most significant risk factor for stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma is leaving earlier stages of 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 3 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
The first step in diagnosing stage 3 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 3 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 3, the squamous cell carcinomas are usually larger and deeper, so doctors often surgically remove part or all of the growth for analysis. If doctors suspect that the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, they may also biopsy nearby lymph nodes and other nearby tissue.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
Caring for someone with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma involves supporting them both physically and emotionally. Diagnosis and treatment are especially difficult times during which your loved one will need your support. After treatment, ensure they see their doctor for regular follow-up appointments, especially within the first year after treatment. Encourage them to check their skin frequently and to protect their skin from the sun. Remember that being diagnosed with any stage of squamous cell carcinoma may cause emotional stress, so support them as much as possible as they cope with the disease's emotional challenges.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
Alternative treatments won't cure stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma, but some options may help improve general health when used along with other medical treatment. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants may be beneficial to people with stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma. Vitamin supplements, especially vitamin D, may be used in addition to a healthful diet. Some people with stage 3 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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Reston Hospital Center answered
There are several things you can do that may help prevent stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma. If you are diagnosed with an earlier stage of squamous cell carcinoma, the most important way to prevent it from advancing to stage 3 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.