Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer, right after basal cell skin carcinoma. Also called squamous cell carcinoma, this type of cancer affects the upper layer of skin. If caught early, it is generally easily treatable and rarely fatal.
The most common cause of squamous cell skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, received either from direct sunlight or tanning beds. Other factors include age, with it generally affecting people over the age of 50; skin pigmentation, with fair skinned people usually more vulnerable; diet, with people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables less likely to get squamous cell skin cancer; whether a person has had skin cancer before; and whether the person smokes, because smokers have a higher risk than non-smokers. It is also twice as likely to occur in men as women.
Symptoms of this cancer can be hard to spot, especially if the skin shows other signs of long-term sun exposure, such as wrinkling or changes in pigmentation. Squamous cell skin cancer generally appears as a raised, rough, often discolored spot on the skin. These spots are usually found on areas of the body most exposed to the sun, such as bald heads, lips, ears, arms or legs. Squamous cell carcinomas can also be found on non-exposed areas of the body, such as the genitals, anus and inner mouth. Although sometimes hard to see, if someone has a sore or lesion on his or her body that doesn't heal after two weeks, he or she should see a doctor.
The most successful treatment for squamous cell skin cancer has been Mohs micrographic surgery. This treatment has a 94 percent to 99 percent success rate and is the least damaging to the tissue surrounding the tumor. The surgeon cuts the tumor out and examines it under a microscope to see if he or she removed it all. If not, the procedure is repeated until the entire tumor is removed.
Somewhat more invasive, excisional surgery cuts out not only the tumor, but also skin around the tumor, to remove the entire growth. A lab then tests the excised tissue to make sure the entire tumor has been removed. In areas where surgically removing the tumor is difficult, such as the lips, radiation may be used. In milder cases of squamous cell skin cancer, a topical cream can sometimes be used to treat the tumor.
The best way to detect squamous cell skin cancer is to do self-examinations, especially on areas most exposed to the sun. There are ways to prevent squamous cell skin cancer, including avoiding the sun during its hottest times, which are generally between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wearing sunblock that provides protection against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays year-round, covering the body when avoiding sun exposure is not possible, and maintaining a diet high in fruits and vegetables also are preventive measures.