Squamous cell carcinoma, also termed Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, can be defined as the abnormal proliferation of malignant cells that usually initiates in the epidermal lining of the skin, i.e., the squamous cells. It is the second most common form of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. Although squamous cell carcinomas mainly ensue on the skin that gets direct sun exposure like the arms, legs and head, they can also initiate in parts of the body which has mucous membranes. Some of the body’s mucous membranes include the interior lining of the organs and body cavities like those in the mouth, lungs and anus.

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cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is usually not fatal, but it can be quite aggressive and if left untreated for a long time, it can worsen to form large tumours on the skin and metastasize to other parts of the body, causing further chronic complications.

Causes

Just like any other type of carcinoma, there is no absolute cause of Squamous cell carcinoma. But some studies illustrate that it usually occurs when there is a mutation in the DNA of the flat, thin squamous cells in the middle and exterior layers of the skin. The mutations direct the healthy squamous cells to grow uncontrollably in size and number and to continue to live without perishing. These abnormal cells eventually amass together to form tumourous growths. In most cases, the primary culprit behind the changes in the cellular DNA is Ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight and commercial tanning beds and lamps.

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Risk Factor

The common risk factor of Squamous cell carcinoma includes people:

  • Who are aged 65 years or older
  • Having fair or light-toned skin (less melanin production)
  • Having direct or excessive exposure to sunlight, tanning beds and lamps
  • Who have numerous moles on their skin surface
  • Who is suffering from rare genetic disorders 
  • Who have a history of sunburn cases
  • Who gets exposed to chemical carcinogens routinely
  • Suffering from health conditions like Actinic keratosis or Bowen's disease
  • Who has had a history of organ transplants or a family history of skin cancer
  • Who has a depreciated immune system; as in the case of HIV or AIDS

Symptoms

The characteristic symptoms of Squamous cell carcinoma are usually noticed on the skin, mouth, tongue, throat lips, face, nose, ears, eyelids, hands, arms, legs, scalp, stomach and anal cavity. The indications of squamous cell carcinoma include:

  • Development of a firm, red nodule on the skin’s surface
  • The formation of a flat sore with a scaly outer crust
  • The appearance of a lesion or a new sore or ulcer or a swollen area on an old scar
  • Formation of a scaly, rough patch on the lip that may worsen into an open sore
  • The appearance of a red sore or rough patch in the oral cavity
  • A sudden formation of a red, swollen, inflamed patch or a wart-like sore in the anus or on the genitals

Diagnosis And Treatment

If you sight any of the aforementioned manifestations, do consult an oncologist at the earliest. The specialized doctor usually does a thorough physical check-up, acknowledges the history of sun exposure and medical history and conducts the following diagnostics:

  • Complete physical analysis (to look for any irregular spots or moles on the skin)  
  • Blood profile   
  • Imaging procedures like PET-scan, MRI-scan, and CT-scan  
  • Biopsy   

Treatment

The available treatment plan for Squamous cell cancer usually relies on the size and location of the tumour, the grade it is in, and the condition of the patient. It comprises the following procedures: 

  • Freezing 
  • Cryosurgery
  • Curettage and electro-desiccation or cryotherapy 
  • Laser therapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Excisional Surgery 
  • Moh’s surgery
  • Radiation Therapy 
  • Chemotherapy 
  • Targeted drug therapy
  • Immunotherapy 
  • Clinical trials

Prevention

The chances of getting Squamous cell carcinoma can be diminished to a huge extent by doing certain lifestyle modifications. These include: 

  • Limit exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the mid-day 
  • Apply sunscreen with a good SPF throughout the year before stepping out 
  • Avoid using tanning lamps and UV beds
  • Wear clothes with maximum coverage if you stay in places of extreme sunlight before going out into the sun
  • Follow a well-balanced diet comprising fresh fruits, vegetables and adequate water and fluids
  • Limit intake of tobacco and alcohol 
  • Keep a close note if there are any changes on the skin