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What is squamous cell carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer. It can arise in a pre-exisiting actinic keratosis or can begin without warning but usually this type of cancer is found on excessively sun-damaged skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is also seen on skin that has been exposed to radiation treatments or in burn scars or other areas of scarring. Untreated it can penetrate and destroy underlying tissue and in a small number of cases it can spread to lymph nodes and other organs which can be fatal.
How can I tell if I have a squamous cell?
Squamous cell carcinomas appear usually as a thickened scaly or raised growth but can mimic the appearance of a wart or an open, bleeding sore. They are much more common in people with fair skin, light hair and eyes. Any suspicious growth should be checked by a dermatologist.
How can these be removed?
Early surgical removal of squamous cell carcinomas results in a cure rate of 95%. They may be removed in a variety of ways. Surgical excision, curettage (surgical scraping) and Moh’s surgery are all effective and satisfactory. The dermatologist has training in all these methods of treatment and can select the one most appropriate for the individual situation.
After one of these tumors has been removed, patients return for follow-up evaluation of the scar usually every three months during the first two years after treatment. It is in this time that most recurrences take place at the same site. The overall surgical cure rate is 95%.
What can I do to protect myself?
Avoiding sun-exposure with hats and sun protective clothing and use of topical antioxidants such as topical Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Retin-A (prescription required) are methods that have shown efficacy in the prevention of squamous cell carcinoma.
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