Squamous-cell carcinoma

Squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC), also known as squamous-cell cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the squamous cells. These cells are the flat, thin cells that make up the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. However, squamous cells are also found in various other places in the body, including the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and the lining of some organs. Therefore, SCC can occur in any of these areas, but is most commonly associated with skin cancer.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of squamous-cell carcinoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds. This exposure causes damage to the DNA of skin cells, leading to abnormal cell growth. Other risk factors include:

• Having a fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes
• A history of sunburns, especially in early life
• A large number of moles or certain types of skin lesions known as actinic keratoses
• A weakened immune system
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic
• Smoking, particularly for SCCs of the lung, mouth, and throat

Symptoms

The symptoms of squamous-cell carcinoma vary depending on the location of the tumor. On the skin, SCC often appears as a red, scaly, or crusty patch of skin that may be sore or bleed. When it occurs in the mucous membranes or other parts of the body, symptoms can include a sore or ulcer that does not heal, a change in a pre-existing skin lesion, difficulty swallowing, or a hoarse voice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of squamous-cell carcinoma typically involves a physical examination followed by a biopsy of the suspicious lesion. If SCC is confirmed, further tests may be conducted to determine the stage of the cancer, including imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, and possibly a lymph node biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment for squamous-cell carcinoma depends on the size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Options may include:

• Surgical removal of the tumor
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances to specifically attack cancer cells
• Immunotherapy, which helps the patient's immune system fight the cancer

Prevention

Preventing squamous-cell carcinoma primarily involves protecting the skin from excessive UV radiation. This can be achieved by:

• Avoiding sun exposure during peak hours
• Wearing protective clothing and sunglasses
• Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps

Regular skin checks by a healthcare professional and self-examinations are also important for early detection of skin changes that might indicate SCC.

Prognosis

The prognosis for squamous-cell carcinoma is generally good, especially when the cancer is caught early and treated promptly. However, SCC can be more aggressive and difficult to treat if it spreads to other parts of the body.