Definition

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a common type of skin cancer that develops in the thin, flat squamous cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. Squamous cell cancer usually occurs on the face, ears, neck, hands or arms, although it can also occur on other areas of the body.

Most squamous cell carcinomas occur on skin that has been frequently exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Squamous cell cancer can also occur in undamaged skin as well or in skin that has been injured or inflamed.

Avoiding ultraviolet light can help reduce the chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and other forms of skin cancer.

Left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin can grow large or spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications.

 

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin include:

  • Flat reddish patches
  • A reddish raised patch on or in the anus or on the genitals
  • A rough, scaly patch on the lip that may evolve to an open sore
  • A growing bump with a scaly crust
  • A new sore or raised bump on an old scar or ulcer

 

Causes

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin occurs when the flat, thin squamous cells in the outer layer of the skin develop errors in their DNA. The DNA errors disrupt the systematic pattern of cell function and cause cells to grow out of control. The end result is squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Potential causes of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin include:

  • Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation
  • Exposure to chemicals
  • Conditions that weaken the immune system

 

Risk factors

Several factors that can increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the skin include the following:

  • Using tanning beds frequently
  • Having fair skin (less protection from damaging UV radiation)
  • Having been exposed to excessive UV light
  • Having a personal history of sunburns
  • Having a personal history of precancerous skin lesions
  • Having a personal history of skin cancer
  • Having a rare genetic disorder

 

Complications

The risk of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin may be increased in cases where the cancer is excessively large or deep, involves the mucous membranes (lips) or occurs in an individual with a weakened immune system

Possible complications that can arise from squamous cell carcinoma of the skin left untreated are:

  • Damage to healthy tissue
  • Spreading of the cancer to the lymph nodes or other organs
  • Death

 

Treatment

Treatment options for squamous cell carcinomas of the skin depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the severity of an individual’s symptoms.

In mild cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, topical mediation and minor surgery may be recommended to ensure complete removal of the skin cancer and proper healing.

 

In more severe cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, treatments may include:

  • The use of medicated creams or lotions
  • Laser therapy: A type of treatment that involves the use of an intense beam of light to diminish growth of the cancer.  
  • Radiation therapy: A type of treatment that involves the use of high energy beams (X-rays) to kill cancer cells.
  • Photodynamic therapy: A type of treatment that combines the use of   photosensitizing drugs and light to treat superficial skin cancers.
  • Freezing: A type of treatment that involves freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.  
  • Simple excision: A surgical procedure that involves cutting out the skin cancer and stitching the skin together.
  • Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED and C): A surgical procedure that involves removing the surface of the skin cancer with a scraping instrument and then searing the base of the cancer with an electric needle.
  • Mohs surgery: A surgical procedure that involves removing layers of skin until there is no sign of the cancer.

 

 

Prevention

A few preventative measures that can help lower the chances of developing squamous cell carcinomas of the skin include:

  • Wearing sunscreen year round
  • Wearing protective clothing during extreme UV radiation
  • Avoiding tanning beds
  • Avoiding the sun during the middle of the day when UV radiation is the strongest
  • Checking skin regularly for any unusual changes and reporting those changes to a doctor