Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent form of skin cancer that arises from the squamous cells, which constitute the middle and outer layers of the skin. While generally not life-threatening, untreated SCC can escalate, leading to substantial growth and potential spread to other areas of the body, resulting in severe complications. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily from sunlight and artificial sources like tanning beds, is a major cause. Protecting your skin from UV radiation is crucial in mitigating the risk of SCC and other skin cancers.
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma typically manifests on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, back of the hands, ears, and lips. However, it can occur anywhere on the body, including less common sites like the mouth, soles of the feet, or genitals. In individuals with darker skin tones, SCC is more likely to appear in areas not typically exposed to the sun.
Common symptoms include:
- A firm nodule on the skin: This bump may be skin-colored or present with varying pigmentation, such as pink, red, black, or brown.
- A flat sore with a scaly crust: This lesion may bleed and fail to heal.
- A new sore or raised area on an old scar or sore: Any changes to existing skin marks should be evaluated.
- A rough, scaly patch on the lip: This can evolve into an open sore.
- A sore or rough patch inside the mouth: These lesions may be painful and persistent.
- A raised patch or wart-like sore on the anus or genitals: These may be associated with HPV infection.
Alt text: Close-up of squamous cell carcinoma lesions on the ear and lip, common locations for sun-exposed skin cancer.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if you observe a sore or scab that does not heal within approximately two months, or a persistent scaly patch on your skin.
Causes and Risk Factors
What causes squamous cell carcinoma? SCC is primarily caused by DNA damage to squamous cells, often triggered by excessive exposure to UV radiation. This damage leads to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of cancerous lesions. UV radiation can come from sunlight, tanning beds, and sunlamps. However, SCC can also develop on areas of the skin not regularly exposed to the sun, suggesting other contributing factors like a weakened immune system.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma:
- Fair Skin: Individuals with less melanin are more susceptible to UV damage.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun increases risk.
- Tanning Bed Use: Indoor tanning significantly elevates the risk of skin cancer.
- History of Sunburns: Severe sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, heighten the risk.
- Precancerous Skin Lesions: Conditions like actinic keratosis can progress to SCC.
- Previous Skin Cancer: Having SCC once increases the likelihood of recurrence.
- Weakened Immune System: Immunosuppression from conditions like leukemia or organ transplant medications increases risk.
- Rare Genetic Disorders: Xeroderma pigmentosum dramatically increases sensitivity to sunlight and skin cancer risk.
- HPV Infection: Human papillomavirus can increase the risk of SCC.
- Scars and Chronic Wounds: SCC can develop in areas of scarring or non-healing wounds.
Alt text: Illustration showing the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) and how skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, originates in the epidermis.
Complications of Untreated Squamous Cell Carcinoma
If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can lead to several complications:
- Local Tissue Destruction: The cancer can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue.
- Metastasis: SCC can spread to lymph nodes and distant organs, making treatment more challenging.
- Increased Mortality: Although rare, metastatic SCC can be fatal.
The risk of metastasis is higher in cases where the tumor is large, deep, located on mucous membranes (like the lips), or occurs in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing squamous cell carcinoma involves minimizing UV exposure and adopting sun-safe behaviors:
- Avoid Sun Exposure During Peak Hours: Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most intense.
- Use Sunscreen Year-Round: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Cover exposed skin with tightly woven clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Regular Skin Self-Exams: Regularly examine your skin for new growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, or birthmarks. Report any suspicious findings to your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Understanding What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma, its causes, symptoms, and risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention. By adopting sun-safe practices and seeking prompt medical attention for suspicious skin changes, individuals can significantly reduce their risk and improve outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing complications and ensuring the best possible prognosis for squamous cell carcinoma.
