Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer that develops in the squamous cells of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). It often occurs in sun-exposed areas but can also appear in other areas of the body. Areas like the face, ears, neck, lips, arms and backs of the hands are more likely to come in contact with the sun.
This type of skin cancer can also develop in scars or chronic skin sores elsewhere, or in areas with mucous membranes like the mouth, lungs, and anus. The most common cause of SCC is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
Symptoms Of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Symptoms of SCC might include skin changes that can be noticeable, sore throat, weight loss pain or difficulty swallowing. Here are some common symptoms of the SCC:
1. Skin Changes
Skin changes in squamous cell carcinoma might include firm bumps or nodules, and new sore, wart-like growths. Take a look at some of the symptoms or skin changes that can indicate squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer:
- A raised firm bump or nodule
- A new sore or raised area on an old scar or sore.
- Sore or rough patch inside the mouth.
- Reddish or brownish patches
- Open sores that don’t heal
- Wart-like growths
- Raised growths with a central depression
- Crusty or bleeding bumps
- Rough, scaly patch on the lip that may become an open sore
There can be some other symptoms that might indicate skin cancer.
2. Other Symptoms
Sometimes a persistent sore throat can be a sign of SCC. Changes in voice include hoarseness, pain or difficulty when swallowing, pain in the ear, unexplained weight loss, a lump or mass in the throat or mouth.
If you notice any new or unusual skin growths, sores that don’t heal or changes in existing skin lesions, it is extremely important to seek medical advice. Specialists will diagnose and start treatment at the early stage to not let the cancerous cells spread.
Treatment Options For SCC
Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma typically involves local therapies like surgery, cryosurgery, or radiation therapy. Photodynamic therapy or, in more advanced cases, systemic treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy can be recommended by the expert. Here looks at more detailed treatment options:
Surgical Treatments
Surgical options like Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation (C&E), cryosurgery, and potentially lymph node dissection or skin grafting are involved. Standard excision helps remove the tumour with surrounding healthy tissue, typically for smaller, low-risk SCCs. Mohs surgery offers high accuracy by separating layers of tissue carrying cancerous cells and examining them under a microscope, ideal for high-risk or recurrent cases.
Lymph node dissection can be performed if the cells have spread to lymph nodes. Cryosurgery freezes and destroys superficial tumours.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments can include methotrexate, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and hydroxychloroquine. These are some of the commonly used immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agents for skin cancer screening.
Some of them are commonly used for skin disease, inflammatory arthritis, lung disease and myositis. Some other nonsurgical treatments are antifibrotic agents including pirfenidone and nintedanib.
Some medications might include antacids which can help relieve heartburn symptoms, and antibiotics which can improve symptoms in SCC.
Systematic Treatments
Systemic treatments are drug therapies that travel through the bloodstream to reach and affect cells throughout the entire body. For SCC systematic treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy with PD-L1 inhibitors are used for advanced or metastatic disease, or when local treatments like surgery or radiation aren’t an option.
Chemotherapy drugs can work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells, to slow down or stop their growth. Immunotherapy can be effective for advanced SCC, especially for cases that are not suitable for surgical or radiation therapy. SCC that has spread to other parts of the body can be treated with immunotherapy.
After SCC Treatment: Taking Care Of Your Skin
It is important to take care of your skin after SCC treatment because it can help prevent recurrence, promote healing and reduce the risk of future skin cancers, especially sun-related damage. Here is why you need to focus on the aftercare of SCC:
- Protecting your skin from the sun is a priority after SCC treatment, as sun exposure can damage healthy skin cells and increase the risk of future skin cancers.
- Proper skin care, including gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and avoiding irritants, is important for overall skin health and can help prevent complications.
- Regular check-ups are necessary even at home. Check your skin for new or unusual spots, moles, or sores, and report any concerns to a dermatologist.
- Follow your healthcare professional’s advice and do not avoid the prescribed medications and restrictions.
Squamous cell carcinoma care is the only thing that can help you with the proper treatment and better healing.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
