Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

The second most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, occurs when an abnormal growth forms in the epidermis. Despite the fact that squamous cell carcinoma is not considered serious and certainly not life threatening, it is certainly the most prolific. Over one quarter of a million new cases reported in the United States alone each year. Ninety seven percent of squamous cell carcinoma cases are treated successfully.

The remaining three percent of cases can be treated but may have spread sufficiently to require a more aggressive form of surgery, causing permanent disfigurement. There are, every year, certain levels of fatalities from squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma, as in all the other forms of all skin cancer, is primarily caused by consistent and chronic over exposure to the sun.

The squamous cell carcinoma manifests itself in tumors that most frequently appear on the areas of the body that have been most exposed to the sun's powerful rays. These include the face, the neck, the scalp (especially if it is bald), the hands, the shoulders, the arms and the back. Especially vulnerable to squamous cell carcinoma is the lower lip as well as the rim of the ear.

Exposure to the sun is not regarded as the only reasons why squamous cell carcinomas may occur, only the principal ones. There have been instances where a certain kinds of injury such as burns, cuts and scars, and parts of the skin that have been exposed to X-rays may also cause abnormalities in the region. If the skin has been in contact with certain chemicals may also cause skin cancers to appear. There are even some researchers that adhere to the theory that squamous cell carcinoma may even be hereditary.

Fair skinned people are at the highest risk. Dark-skinned people are far less likely to develop skin cancer.

If squamous cell carcinoma has been diagnosed and early enough, it is easily treatable. One form of treatment which is very common is excisional surgery
Firstly the treating doctor numbs the affected area, and then removes the growth with a scalpel as well as a small border of skin around the growth. This piece of skin is then sent to a laboratory to be examined to ensure that all of the cancerous cells have been removed.

Another innovative treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is known as Mohs micrographic surgery. This is when a surgeon, after applying a local anesthetic will shave away thin layers of the cancerous growth. Immediately after removal, the layer is sent to a laboratory for examination. This procedure will continue till a layer has been diagnosed to be clean of cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma can be treated fairly painlessly if diagnosed soon enough. Anyone detecting a suspicious growth on their skin should immediately consult with their family doctor without too much delay.

Cancer

Skin Cancer Types