Squamous cell carcinoma can be termed as a common type of cancer of the skin, whose development occurs in the thin, flat squamous cells, which constitute the skin's outer layer. This condition is not categorized as life-threatening, even though, in some instances it can be aggressive. If left untreated, this disease can become large or extend to other body parts, resulting in severe complications (Reichrath 2).
A majority of squamous cell carcinomas are caused by extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation, from tanning lamps or beds, or from sunlight. Individuals with light hair, fair skin, as well as green, gray, or blue eyes have the highest risk of getting the disease. However, individuals with a previous record of significant exposure to the sun are at higher risk. Those who work exposed to the sun for long hours are particularly at risk. Individuals who have suffered from basal cell carcinoma also have a more likelihood to acquire squamous cell carcinoma. Inheriting conditions that are highly sensitive to UV such as xeroderma pigmentosum may also increase the chances of developing squamous cell carcinomas (Reichrath 4-6).
Squamous cell carcinomas occur two times more frequently in men than in women. This has been associated with the fact that men spend more time in the sun compared with women. The majority of squamous cell carcinoma occur in individuals who are more than 50 years of age. This has, however, changed recently after reports appeared of incidences of people between 20 and 30 years been diagnosed with the disease. The number of women below 40 years of age who are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma has particularly been on the rise in the last 30 years, and some experts link this to the use of indoor tanning (Reichrath 3).
Over 419,000 incidences of skin cancer in America every year are associated with indoor tanning. Squamous cell carcinoma is the major form of skin cancer that is most common in African-Americans, which mainly occurs on the sites of previous inflammatory skin diseases or injuries from burns. In spite of the fact that naturally dark-skinned people have a lower risk of getting skin cancer, it is still important to protect themselves from the sun. Such measures are necessary because every skin type is at risk of skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to sunlight is the major cause of squamous cell carcinoma as it has been witnessed in those people who spend much time on outdoor activities such as playing golf. Skin damages are also an important cause of the disease. Cancer can as well develop in scars, burns, ulcers, previously X-rays exposed sites to certain chemicals, as well as long-standing sores (Katz 1020).
Sometimes, squamous cell carcinomas occur spontaneously on what seems to be normal and healthy skin. It is believed that the possibility of developing these cancers may be inherited. Squamous cells are present in many body parts and may appear in any place where the squamous cells are found as it is known to be the type of skin cancer that develops in the squamous cells in the skin (Katz 1022).
This type of skin cancer presents itself as lasting, thick, unsmooth, scaly patches, which when scratched, scraped or bumped, can bleed. They mostly appear as warts and at times occur as open sores having a crusted surface, as well as a raised border (Katz 1022).
Any individual who has previously suffered from a single squamous cell tumor is at a higher risk of getting another one, particularly on the nearby skin. This is mainly because this skin has undergone permanent sun damage. Recurrences such as these appear within the first two years following a surgery. It is, therefore, important to pay special attention to any site that was treated previously, and any alterations noted ought to be attended to immediately. Thus, squamous cell carcinomas of the ears, nose, as well as lips are more likely to recur (Katz 1022).
Diagnosis of the disease is normally done by a dermatologist and may require some basic information about the patient such as medical history, previous incidences of severe burns, instances of indoor tanning, as well as any other symptoms the patient may be experiencing. In addition, the dermatologist also checks spots on the body surface especially those that are exposed to radiations. Any suspicious bumps are normally removed for further testing (Katz 1022).
As squamous cell carcinomas, as well as other cancers of the skin, are nearly always curable when diagnosed and managed early, it is important to apply preventive measures. The following safety habits help in preventing squamous cell carcinoma; staying in the shade particularly between 10 am and 4 pm, avoid burns and tanning, use UV blocking sunglasses, use broad spectrum sunscreen, avoid exposing newborns to the sun, as well as undertake regular skin examination (Katz 1022).
When squamous cell carcinomas are noted early enough, there are good chances that they can be removed resulting in minimal damage. However, when left untreated, the cancer is capable of penetrating into the underlying tissues resulting in disfiguring (Habif 823). Only a minor surgery is necessary to remove most of the squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. In other cases, use of topical medication is also enough to eradicate cancer (Habif 824).
One of the treatments that is applied is the electrodesiccation and curettage also referred to as ED and C. The medication consists of the removal of the surface covering cancer using a scraping instrument followed by searing the root of cancer using a needle. The treatment is in most cases applicable when the cancer is very small (Habif 824).
Another method of treating the cancer is through the use of laser in what is referred to as laser therapy. Here, a strong beam of light is used to vaporize cancer with reduced damage to the tissues that are near cancer. The method is also associated with a reduced risk of causing scars, bleeding and swelling. The method is most preferred in the case of highly superficial skin lesions (Habif 824).
Other forms of treatment include simple excision where the cancerous tissue is removed together with the thin tissue surrounding it and Mohs surgery where the cancer is removed layer after layer (Habif 824). In Mohs surgery, the layer is examined using a microscope until all the abnormal cells have been removed. In the case where cancer has gone deep in the skin, radiation therapy may be used. Radiation therapy is also useful in those cases where there is a risk of cancer returning after surgery as well as for people who are not in a position to undergo surgery (Habif 824).
In conclusion, although the some of the risks of squamous cell carcinoma such as UV radiations are not avoidable, proper protection and early detection of the disease may play a great role in reducing the severity of the disease.
Works Cited
Habif, T. P. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. Edinburgh, U.K.: Mosby Elsevier, 2010.
Katz, F. E. W. A. G. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology In General Medicine. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2003.
Reichrath, Jorg. Molecular Mechanisms of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. New York, 2006. Print.
