Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It is also known as skin cancer-squamous cell or cancroid. It is a common tumor involving the middle layer of the skin, the lungs, the cervix and the esophagus. This is the form of cancer which can be seen on the lips, throat, and skin or inside the mouth. This can appear in scaly and red in color skin. In U.S., More than two lakhs people are affected by this disease. This disease can transmit to other parts of the body, in case of untreated.

Causes: It can develop by any change in an existing mole, wart and other skin lesion. It is mainly affected the face, due to more exposed under ultraviolet radiation and sunlight. More exposure to sun is the main cause of squamous cell carcinoma.

Risk Factors: family history of the disease excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiations, tanning beds or sunlamps history of exposure to coal, paraffin, arsenic or industrial tar Use of Tobacco weakened immune system excessive exposure to X-rays

Signs and Symptoms: skin lesion may become: red in color located on the ears, hands, face, arms, neck surface may be crusted or scaly flat growth or nodule small or firm occur on the tongue, lip, genitals, mouth and other areas

Diagnosis: A biopsy examination of the skin lesion may be recommended by the health care providers to diagnose the squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatment: The types of treatment depend on how much tumor has spread and tumor's depth, size and location. Radiation treatments are preferred by the health care providers to reduce in size of tumor. surgery is very effective to remove the skin around the tumor. In some cases, Microscopic shaving is used to remove the small tumors.

If radiation treatment and surgery fail, chemotherapy is very effective to minimize the symptoms of the diseases. Patient should examine the skin daily, if changes in an existing skin lesion and there are changes in size, color, and development of inflammation, itching, pain and bleeding.

Prevention: patient must minimize the sun exposure. patients should wear protective clothes such as long skirts, hats or pants. Patients should apply the sunscreen before going outside during the day. patient should use sunscreens with at least SPF-15.

When to Seek Health Care Providers : patient can consult their doctor in case of any changes in skin lesion including size, color or texture. and if there is inflammation, itching, pain or bleeding in an existing skin lesion.