Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Of the nonmelanoma skin cancers, about 20% are squamous cell carcinomas while the other 80% are basal cell carcinomas. A squamous cell carcinoma is most often locally invasive but has potential to metastasize and can become fatal. Squamous cell carcinomas most commonly affect elderly males but are common among many individuals. These skin cancers often present on the sun exposed areas of the skin and are scaly, often red, sometimes ulcerated lesions that can take weeks to months to grow. Some develop a warty or nodular appearance while others present with an abnormal growth resembling a horn. They tend to be more tender and painful than other skin cancers. The precursor to a squamous cell carcinoma is an actinic keratosis, which is a precancerous lesion that is often hard to see but feels like a non-healing gritty lesion on the skin.
WHAT CAUSES SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS?
Squamous cell carcinomas are most commonly caused by genetic mutations. These mutations are most often triggered by UV exposure from sunlight or tanning beds. Other causes include smoking, HPV warts, and immunosuppression.
TREATING SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS
Surgical removal including excision or Mohs surgery are the most common treatments for squamous cell carcinomas. Electrodessication and curettage is also done for this type of skin cancer. Prevention is important as well including decreasing UV radiation exposure including wearing sunscreen and sun protective clothing, staying indoors, and avoiding tanning beds. Treatment of actinic keratoses using cryotherapy is also essential in order to prevent these precancers from progressing to squamous cell carcinomas.
