Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

The type of skin cancer which affects the thin, flat squamous cells that form the top layer the epidermis and the middle layer of the skin is the squamous cell skin cancer.

These abnormal cells result in the formation of tumor.

The first and foremost sign of the squamous cell skin cancer is the appearance of the skin lesion.

The diagnosis of this disease is done by a biopsy which includes the clinical observation of the lesion under the microscope.

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Cause

The main squamous cell skin cancer cause is considered to be the exposure to the sun or the other ultraviolet radiation. Increasing age is often forms a risk factor for developing the disease as evidence show that this disease is seen in those over age 50. The other risk factors which form a threat to develop this disease are as follows:

  • Fairer skin people are at high risk
  • Also people with blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
  • Certain chemicals and arsenic
  • A large number of x-rays

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Symptoms or Signs

The common squamous cell skin cancer symptoms can be summarized as follows:

  • Bumpy growth that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches
  • This bump usually occurs on the face, ears, neck, hands, or arms
  • Also this may occur at any other are or part
  • A sore that does not heal can be a sign of squamous cell cancer.
  • Any change in an existing wart, mole, or other skin lesion could be a sign of skin cancer.

Any of these symptoms observed should be immediately reported to the doctor for further proceedings in order to avoid any complications.

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment

The squamous cell skin cancer for that matter any skin cancer has a high cure rate if it is treated early. The squamous cell skin cancer treatment depends totally on these factors like the size of the tumor, location of the tumor and how far and how much the tumor has spread or metastasized.

The best method of treating squamous cell skin cancer is surgery. In this the tumor is removed completely with the surrounding tissues and observed.  Skin grafting may be needed if a major part is removed as it leaves a space or gap on the skin.

Radiation therapy is another method of squamous cell skin cancer treatment which helps in reducing or shrinking the size of the tumor. Chemotherapy is the method opted if the former mentioned treatments fail. In very rare cases the chemotherapy is used.

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Prevention

The squamous cell skin cancer prevention is fair well possible. Majority of the risk factors can be controlled by taking certain precautionary methods. They are listed as follows:

  • Avoid regular sun exposure especially in the mid afternoon.
  • Use sun protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.
  • Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15.
  • The sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply frequently if needed to prevent squamous cell skin cancer.
  • Use a sunscreen throughout the year, even during the winter.
  • Observation of skin a must and should people at high risk. Any abnormal change in the skin like the suspicious growths or change in the moles (Skin Cancer Mole) etc should be reported to the doctor for testing squamous cell skin cancer.