What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma and How Is It Treated?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that originates in the squamous cells, which are the thin, flat cells found in the outer layer of the skin. It is one of the most common forms of skin cancer and typically develops in areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, hands, and arms. While squamous cell carcinoma is highly treatable when detected early, it can be more dangerous if left untreated and allowed to spread to other parts of the body.
Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma skin cancer that develops from squamous cells in the skin’s outermost layer (the epidermis). It is commonly caused by long-term sun exposure or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as tanning beds. SCC can also arise from pre-existing skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis (AK), which are rough, scaly patches on the skin that may turn into cancer over time.
SCC typically appears as a red, scaly patch or an open sore that does not heal. Over time, the lesion may become raised and bleed. In some cases, it may spread to other areas of the body, especially if left untreated.
Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
While anyone can develop SCC, there are certain factors that increase the risk of developing this form of skin cancer:
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds is the leading cause of SCC.
- Fair Skin: People with lighter skin that burns easily are at a higher risk for developing SCC.
- Age: SCC is more common in older adults, though it can occur at any age.
- Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those with HIV, are more susceptible to SCC.
- Previous Skin Cancer: If you’ve had SCC or basal cell carcinoma before, your risk of developing it again increases.
- Chronic Skin Conditions: Conditions such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and actinic keratosis can increase the likelihood of developing SCC.
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The symptoms of SCC can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common signs include:
- Red, scaly patches or plaques on the skin that may crust or bleed
- Sores that don’t heal and may become ulcerated
- Raised, wart-like growths with a central depression
- Pain or tenderness at the site of the lesion
- Bleeding or oozing from the affected area
It is essential to seek medical attention if you notice any persistent changes in your skin or new growths, especially if they do not heal after a few weeks.
Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Fortunately, squamous cell carcinoma is highly treatable, especially when caught early. The main treatment approaches include:
- Surgical Removal
The most common treatment for SCC is surgical excision, which involves removing the cancerous tissue from the skin. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and has a high success rate. - Mohs Surgery
For SCCs in sensitive or high-risk areas (such as the face), Mohs micrographic surgery is often recommended. In this procedure, thin layers of cancerous tissue are removed and examined under a microscope until all the cancer cells are gone, ensuring minimal damage to healthy tissue. - Radiation Therapy
If surgery is not an option or if the cancer has spread, radiation therapy may be used to target and destroy cancer cells. This therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. - Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the cancerous tissue with liquid nitrogen. It is typically used for small, early-stage SCCs or pre-cancerous conditions like actinic keratosis. - Topical Treatments
In some cases, topical medications such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod may be prescribed to treat SCC or actinic keratosis. These treatments help destroy cancerous cells when applied to the affected area. - Chemotherapy
For advanced SCC that has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy may be required. Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and kill cancer cells throughout the body. - Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
In cases of advanced or metastatic SCC, targeted therapies and immunotherapy are emerging as promising treatment options. Targeted therapies, such as EGFR inhibitors, work by blocking specific pathways that cancer cells use to grow. Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Conclusion
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that is highly treatable, especially when caught early. With advancements in oncology and the availability of innovative cancer treatments, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and groundbreaking clinical trials at Pi Health Cancer Hospital, patients now have access to more effective options than ever before.
If you or someone you know is facing a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, consider exploring the treatment options available at Pi Health Cancer Hospital. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Venugopal Arroju, the hospital is committed to providing personalized care and access to cutting-edge cancer therapies that can improve survival rates and quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and ongoing clinical trials.
FAQS
SCC is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, which damages the DNA in skin cells and leads to cancerous growths.
Protecting your skin from UV rays by wearing sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, and wearing protective clothing can help reduce the risk of developing SCC. Regular skin checks are also important for early detection.
When treated early, the survival rate for SCC is high. However, if left untreated and allowed to spread, SCC can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successful outcomes.
SCC is diagnosed through a physical examination of the skin, followed by a biopsy of any suspicious lesions for microscopic analysis.
Yes, SCC can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, especially if left untreated. However, if detected early, SCC is usually confined to the skin and can be treated successfully.
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to remove SCC from areas where preserving healthy tissue is important. It involves removing thin layers of tissue and examining them under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated.
Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to remove SCC from areas where preserving healthy tissue is important. It involves removing thin layers of tissue and examining them under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated.
Dr. A. Venugopal
Clinical Director & HOD Medical Oncology Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato-Oncologist
About Author
Dr. A. Venugopal
MD (General Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology), MRCP – SCE Medical Oncology (UK), ECMO (Switzerland).
Dr A. Venugopal is One of the best medical oncologist and Hemato Oncologist in hyderabad, currently serving as the Head of the Department and Senior Medical Oncologist, Hemato Oncologist at Pi Health Cancer Hospital in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. He brings over 15 years of extensive experience in the field of Oncology.