Skin cancers are the most common cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that begins in the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales under the microscope. Squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the third most common form of skin cancer. About 20% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are caused by cSCC and 80% by BCC. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin occurs roughly one-quarter as often as basal cell carcinoma.
Light-colored skin and a history of sun exposure are even more important in predisposing to this kind of cancer than to basal cell carcinoma. These include exposure to arsenic, hydrocarbons, heat, or x-rays. Some squamous cell carcinomas arise in scar tissue. Squamous cell cancers that start out within solar keratoses or on sun damaged skin are easier to cure and metastasize less often than those that develop in traumatic or radiation scars. The incidence is rising worldwide2 and although not a cause of high mortality considerable cost . About 70% of cSCCs appear on the skin of the head and neck.
The single most important factor in producing squamous cell carcinomas is sun exposure. Many such growths can develop from precancerous spots, called actinic or solar keratoses. Sun damage takes many years to promote skin cancer.
Some squamous cell carcinomas arise in scar tissue. Suppression of the immune system by infection or drugs may also promote such growths. Squamous cell carcinoma in the black patient proved to be rapidly metastatic and eventually fatal. The white patient developed seven squamous cell carcinomas over 8 years with no evidence of metastatic spread.
Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma are similar to those for basal cell carcinoma. Radiation treatments for skin cancer occurring in areas that are difficult to treat with surgery. Other Cryosurgery technique achieve good results by freezing basal cell carcinomas. Typically, liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth to freeze and kill the abnormal cells. Avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun during peak radiation times. Wearing broad-brimmed hats and tightly-woven protective clothing while outdoors in the sun.
Squamous Cell Epithelioma - Prevention and Treatment Tips 1. Avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun during peak radiation times. 2. Wearing broad-brimmed hats and tightly-woven protective clothing while outdoors in the sun. 3. Surgical excision is cut out and stitched up.
4. Radiation therapy is a also useful treatment 5. Cryosurgery technique achieve good results by freezing basal cell carcinomas. 6. Mohs micrographic surgery technique of removing skin cancer is better termed.
Juliet Cohen writes health articles for skin diseases and skin disorders. She also writes articles for skin care.
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