Causative and risk factors
Exposure to ultraviolet rays is the biggest reason for development of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Individuals are exposed to these rays via exposure to the sun as well as in commercial tanning beds.
Having excessively fair skin or a weak immune system puts you at a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. Other risk factors include history of sunburns, xeroderma pigmentosum or pre-malignant skin lesions such as actinic keratosis.
Clinical presentation
The commonest locations of squamous cell carcinoma include the face, lips, ears, neck and back of the hands.
Squamous cell carcinoma can have varying presentations. It may appear as a reddish lump onto the skin. It may be a pink cutaneous nodule with no overlying surface changes. There may be scaling, crusting or bleeding. Open sores or ulcers may be present on the skin. A cutaneous horn may be present. Rough scaly patches may appear onto the lips or inside the oral cavity. A lump or wart may appear in the genital area.
Investigations
Squamous cell carcinoma can be suspected on the basis of patient history and physical examination of the lesions. The diagnosis can be confirmed by carrying out a biopsy of the lesions.
Treatment
There are several treatment options available for patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The mode of treatment is chosen depending upon the type and depth of the lesions.
The lesions can be excised or laser therapy can be used. Electrodessication and curettage can be done wherein the skin is scraped by curetting and then the cancer cells are treated by an electric needle. Photodynamic therapy is available in which the affected portion of the skin is exposed to light. Radiation therapy and application of chemotherapy agents are suggested to some patients.
When treated early, the chances of curing squamous cell carcinoma are very high.
