SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

SCC is when there is abnormal growth of the superficial cells of the skin/epidermis. These cells are referred to keratinocytes, which form the top layer of your skin, and form the "dust" in your house once they fall off. Similar causes and treatments as with basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

• Referred to as a neoplasm (new growth) of keratinocytes

• Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

  • males

  • elderly or over 50

  • sun tanners + tanning salon customers

  • light skinned individuals who also have light hair (e.g. blonde)

    Causes of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

• Sun Exposure/UV radiation, UVB, high energy sun rays, that alter the genetic make-up of the keratinocyte cells, causing them to grow abnormally and more rapidly

• Can also be caused by mutagens, such as heavy metal exposure (e.g. arsenic) and tar

Appearance of squamous cell cancer under the microscope after a biopsy of the tissue from a patient. Abnormal, cancerous cells are dark purple, displaying loose and abundant DNA in comparison to normal, nonreplicating cells.

• Appearance of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

• a red nodule or plaque, with scales on its surface

• usually turns into an ulcer on the skin

• can also have crusting, which is when the skin "weeps" blood components slowly onto the skin which dry quickly forming a crust

Effects sites of Sun Expsure, such as:

• face

• back of the neck

• scalp

• nose

• ears

• anywhere where there has been a lot of skin exposure (e.g. hands, forearms)

  Treatments for Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

• Squamous cell carcinomas grow much more rapidly than basal cell carcinomas, therefore:

• surgical removal

• may need closure through skin flaps or a skin graft if lesion was large

• After treatment, will need to see doctor yearly to screen for any recurrence

• about 80% cure rate

• 10% metastasize - therefore important to seek treaetment as early as possible