Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (KSS) is a type of skin cancer that attacks squamous cells, cells that form the middle and outer layers of the skin. CSC generally attacks areas of the body exposed to sunlight, including the face, neck, hands and feet. However, SCC can still appear in any part of the body that contains squamous cells. Despite its slow development, KSS can spread to surrounding tissues, such as bones and lymph nodes. If this happens, SSC will be difficult to manage and potentially cause serious complications.

Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma usually begins with the appearance of bumps or red spots on the skin and scaly skin. These symptoms usually appear on parts of the body exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, ears, or lips. However, symptoms can also appear in any part of the body, such as in the mouth, genitals or anus.

During the initial stages, the patient's skin will appear scaly and reddish. Then, over time, small lumps develop, which can harden or bleed. In the mouth, symptoms can appear as sores in the mouth or white patches. In some cases, the mass will appear on preexisting skin lesions, for example on moles or birthmarks.
Stage of development of squamous cell carcinoma

The development of squamous cell carcinoma is divided into several stages, namely:

• Stage 0 - the tumor is very small and has not spread.
• Stage 1 - tumor 2 cm or less, and does not spread.
• Stage 2 - tumors measuring 2 cm or more than 5 cm and do not spread.
• Stage 3 - the tumor enters the lower layers of the skin, but does not spread to neighboring lymph nodes.
• Step 4 - The tumor has spread to several lymph nodes or other organs.

Causes of squamous cell carcinoma

KSS is caused by mutations or DNA modification, which causes uncontrolled growth of squamous cells in the skin. DNA mutations can be triggered by ultraviolet light, such as direct exposure to the sun or darkening of the skin with UV light (tanning skin).
Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A number of factors can increase a person's risk of squamous cell carcinoma, including:

• Low immune system, for example in people with leukemia, lymphoma, taking immunosuppressive drugs (such as corticosteroids) or just undergoing an organ transplant.
• Skin color. Light-skinned people are more likely to suffer from KSS.
• History of skin disorders, such as KSS or other types of skin cancer, blisters, symptoms of arsenic skin poisoning or precancerous lesions such as solar keratosis or Bowen's disease.
• Genetic disorders including xeroderma pigments, albinism, Gorlin syndrome and Bazex syndrome.
• Age. The risk of KSS tends to increase with age.

Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma

The examination will begin by the doctor, questioning the medical history of the patient and his family. The doctor then examines the physical condition of the skin of a patient suspected of having an KSS. If there is a suspicion of CSC, the doctor will recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a skin sample that is suspected of having SCC, for examination in a laboratory.
Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma

Several treatment options can be applied to treat CSS. The type of treatment chosen by the doctor depends on the age and health of the patient, as well as the size, breadth and severity of the SSC.

Some treatment steps that can be chosen by patients include:

• Skin affected by cancer will be cut and sewn.
• Electrodessiccation and curettage (ED&C). The tumor is removed by nailing it and then the base layer of the cancer is burned with an electric needle.
• Curette and cryotherapy. The procedure is the same as ED&C, but only after the curette, the biopsy area is frozen with liquid nitrogen.
• Cryosurgery, which consists of freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.
• Laser beam therapy to destroy cancer cells.
• Mohs surgery, which consists of removing cancer layer by layer, is then examined under a microscope. Usually used in facial cancers, such as the nose or ears.
• Radiotherapy. This procedure is done if the cancer has spread to other organs and lymph nodes, or if the cancer cannot be treated surgically.
• Chemotherapy with topical medicines containing imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). In this procedure, cancer cells will be destroyed using special rays.

Prevention of squamous cell carcinoma

Protect yourself from squamous cell carcinoma by taking the following precautions:

• Avoid sun exposure when it's hot. For example, don't leave the house during the day (especially between 10 am and 4 pm). If possible, change the schedule of outdoor activities to another time.
• Wear closed clothes. Choose clothes that protect all parts of the skin, wear big hats and sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection when traveling.
• Always use sunscreen whenever leaving home. Recommended sunscreens contain at least SPF 15. Use once every 2 hours, or more often if you swim or sweat.
• Check the skin independently. Always pay attention to all parts of your body and consult a doctor immediately if you have suspicious skin changes.
• Avoid tanning action.

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