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Page 1 of 2 Edmonton's Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Its Detection and Treatments
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world but, fortunately, it is not as common as basal cell carcinomas . It is most commonly seen in light-skinned individuals on the sun-exposed areas such as head and neck.
Just like basal cell carcinoma , squamous cell carcinoma presents as a slowly growing spot or bump that sometimes bleeds when easily traumatized by every day activities such as toweling or washing. Some patients describe it as a spot that looks like a pimple that does not go away.
When looked at closely, squamous cell carcinoma can have small scales or flakes and can sometimes look like a wart. Warts are not usually located on the head and neck regions, the most common regions for SCC. At the same time we need to remember that squamous cell carcinoma can be located on the whole body and have almost any color from white to red/pink to dark brown. Although light-skinned individuals (with light hair and eye color) are the most susceptible to SCC, patients with all skin types and colors can develop a squamous cell carcinoma. Dr. Sapijaszko has treated patients of all skin types including Caucasians, Native Americans and Canadians, Inuits, Asians as well as Persians and East Indians among others. This list alone points to the fact that no patient group is immune to this most common form of cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma can destroy tissues locally as well as it can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. SCCs are dangerous as they can kill the person if not treated.
It is very important that any new and persistent spot (e.g. more than three months) be assessed by a family doctor or a dermatologist. When detected early, SCC can be treated successfully. Depending on the treatment method, the success of the therapy can vary but, with the most effective methods, can approach 99% cure rate.
The abnormal growth (cancer) originates in the uppermost layer of the skin. The cancer then grows downward, forming root and fingerlike projections under the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, at times these roots are so subtle they cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. Therefore, what you see on your skin is sometimes only a small portion of the total tumor.
What does Squamous Cell Carcinoma look like?
There are many ways that a squamous cell carcinoma can look. In most cases it is a red, scaly (flaky) bump that is slightly elevated, can develop ulceration, change over time into firm or fragile nodule and are located on the sun exposed areas such as on the face and scalp, ears, neck, forearms, backs of hands, and legs. In most instances, it is solitary but in rare cases, there can be more than one SCC in the similar area.
In some cases, SCC can be mistaken for other skin conditions that look very similar such as psoriasis, eczema, fungal infection or other red, scaly conditions. For proper diagnosis, a skin biopsy is needed. If you are concerned that you may have a squamous cell carcinoma or another skin cancer, please see your doctor or a dermatologist.
Are there any precursors to full blown Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
YES - Actinic Keratoses are the earliest form of Squamous Cell Carcinomas and as such need to be treated. We have a whole section on our website dedicated to actinic keratoses , as their importance can not be overemphasized.
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