Skin squamous cell carcinoma, as the name implies, is closely connected to the squamous cells of the skin. These cells are usually located in the outermost layer of our skin - the epidermis, and they protect our bodies like armor. But when these cells undergo abnormal proliferation and grow out of control, skin squamous cell carcinoma is formed. This name intuitively reveals its origin and characteristics.
Squamous cell carcinoma can occur all over the body, such as the skin of the head, face, trunk, and limbs, and can also occur in the oral and vulvar mucosa. It is mostly manifested as a new growth of the skin/mucosa, which grows significantly and quickly, protrudes from the skin, is hemispherical, has a ruddy surface, may have ulcers in the center or bleed easily when touched, and the surface of the bleeding and ulcerated rash will be covered with scabs, and the edge will feel "rooted" (infiltrated) when touched. Generally, there is no feeling of itching or pain. If infection occurs, pain and suppuration will occur.
Squamous cell carcinomas that occur in areas that are easily exposed to ultraviolet rays, such as the head, face, and back of the hand, are mostly developed from solar keratosis. So this also shows that the onset of some squamous cell carcinomas is obviously related to ultraviolet radiation. The skin around these squamous cell carcinomas often shows signs of sunburn or solar keratosis such as erythema. The metastasis rate of squamous cell carcinomas developed from solar keratosis is relatively low. There are also some squamous cell carcinomas that have no obvious relationship with ultraviolet rays and often occur in the chest, abdomen, vulva, etc. The skin around these squamous cell carcinomas cannot see sunburn. And the metastasis rate of this part of squamous cell carcinoma is relatively high.
What are the warning signs of squamous cell carcinoma?
- Skin nodules
Skin squamous cell carcinoma is often manifested as small wart-like nodules in the early stage. It is dark red and hard in texture. It may bleed after cutting or peeling. Over time, the nodules can gradually develop into plaques with scales on the surface. The scope of skin damage will gradually expand as the disease progresses.
- Skin cauliflower hyperplasia
The increase and fusion of nodules on the surface of the skin will make more protruding proliferative warts on the skin surface visible on the skin surface. The shape is similar to cauliflower, so it is also called cauliflower hyperplasia.
- Skin ulcers
Due to the proliferation and deep invasion of tumor cells, the skin at the site of the disease may repeatedly ulcerate, ache and bleed.
Characteristics of skin squamous cell carcinoma: meticulous observation
- Appearance characteristics
- Erythema and scaling: In the early stage, skin squamous cell carcinoma often appears in the form of red patches, and the surface may be covered with dry scaling, similar to long-term eczema or dermatitis.
- Hyperplasia and ulcers: As the disease progresses, the lesions may gradually thicken, forming wart-like or nodular protrusions, and even ulcers, with irregular edges, which may be accompanied by bleeding or exudation.
- Pigment changes: Some squamous cell carcinoma lesions may have pigmentation or hypopigmentation, which makes the color contrast sharply with the surrounding normal skin.
- Growth rate
The growth rate of skin squamous cell carcinoma is relatively slow, but once abnormalities are found, medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible, because early treatment is crucial to controlling the disease and retaining more healthy skin.
- Prone areas
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin often occurs in areas with frequent sunlight, such as the face, neck, arms, back of the hands and legs, especially those exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time.
Pay attention to sun protection for skin diseases
The main cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is long-term and excessive ultraviolet radiation, which includes but is not limited to sunbathing, long-term outdoor work, lack of sun protection measures, etc. In addition, genetic factors, chronic skin inflammation, chemical exposure and low immunity may also increase the risk of disease.
Prevention is better than cure
- Strict sun protection
Apply sunscreen when going out, choose products with high SPF value and broad spectrum sun protection, and reapply regularly, especially during periods and areas with strong sunlight.
- Regular inspection
Self-examine your skin regularly and pay attention to whether there are any abnormal changes mentioned above. If a suspicious lesion is found, seek medical attention immediately.
- Healthy lifestyle
Eat a balanced diet and consume more foods rich in vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants; exercise moderately to enhance immunity; avoid long-term contact with harmful chemicals.
- Professional treatment
If you are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, you should actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan, including surgical excision, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc., and develop a personalized rehabilitation plan based on your individual situation.
Although squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is not a terminal disease, its physical and mental impact should not be underestimated. By enhancing self-protection awareness, regular check-ups, and timely medical treatment, we can effectively reduce the risk of its occurrence and protect every inch of our skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that originates from the squamous cells of the skin.
-Dense, scaly growths appear on the skin and cannot heal on their own.
-To diagnose cancer, doctors perform biopsies.
-Unless it has spread, radiotherapy can sometimes achieve a cure.
-If the cancer has spread, the patient may be given a drug called a PD-1 inhibitor.
-If the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, it may be life-threatening.
Squamous cells (keratinocytes) are the main cells of the epidermis. Squamous cell pain is a disease of these cells. In the United States, 1.8 million people are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma each year, and 15,000 die from the disease.
Squamous cell carcinoma (the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma) usually develops on sun-exposed areas, but it can develop on any part of the skin that has minimal sun exposure or in the mouth. However, people whose skin is exposed to more sun have a higher risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer. People with lighter skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma than those with darker skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma can develop on normal skin, but is more likely to develop on damaged skin. Such lesions include
- Precancerous skin growths caused by previous sun exposure (solar keratoses)
- Chronic sores on the skin or mucous membranes (such as those lining the eyes, nose, and lungs) or genitals
- Crusted skin, especially from burns
In the mouth, precancerous skin growths appear as white or red spots (leukoplakia or erythema).
Bowen disease and potential keratoacanthomas are forms of squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma appears thick, scaly, and irregular, but can vary in appearance. Doctors may suspect any sore that won't heal on a sun-exposed surface. Squamous cell carcinoma usually starts as a red area with scaly, crusted surfaces. As it grows, the tumor may become raised and hard, sometimes with a wart-like surface. Eventually, the tumor becomes an open sore that spreads into deeper tissues.
Prevention of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is caused by sun exposure, so this cancer can be prevented starting in early childhood by:
Avoiding the sun: For example, seeking shade, minimizing outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when the sun's rays are strongest), and avoiding sunbathing and tanning beds.
Wear protective clothing: Wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats)
Apply sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 that protects against UVA and UVB as directed, reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating, but not for the purpose of extending sun exposure
Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma Removing the tumor
Doctors treat squamous cell carcinoma by scraping and burning the tumor with an electric needle (curettage and electrodesiccation), cutting the tumor out (surgical excision), destroying the cancer with extreme cold (cryotherapy), or applying chemotherapy drugs to the skin. Doctors may also use photodynamic therapy, which is the application of chemicals and lasers to the skin, or occasionally radiation therapy to treat squamous cell carcinoma. People whose squamous cell carcinoma recurs or is larger are treated with a technique called Mohs micrographic surgery. Radiation therapy may be given after surgery. Radiation therapy is used for squamous cell carcinoma that has spread to one or a few other parts of the body. Radiation therapy may not be used if the cancer is widespread, and chemotherapy is usually not effective. If you have large squamous cell carcinoma that cannot be treated with surgery and has spread to underlying tissue or other parts of the body, you may be given a PD-1 inhibitor (such as cemiplimab and pembrolizumab). PD-1 inhibitors help the body's immune system destroy the cancer. These drugs are called PD-1 inhibitors because they block the action of a protein called programmed cell death 1 on the surface of cancer cells. This protein protects cancer cells from the immune system. When PD-1 inhibitors block the protein, the immune system is able to attack and kill the cancer cells. The risk of metastasis is higher than with basal cell carcinoma, so doctors will monitor treatment and follow-up closely.
