What is a Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that usually starts in the skin where the cells multiply and alter the skin’s appearance.
- They can differ greatly in their appearance, but most usually appear as a scaly or crusty area of skin or a lump, with a red, inflamed base.
- Squamous cell carcinomas are often tender, but most small SCCs are not usually painful.
- They have the potential to spread to lymph nodes or other organs of the body (Metastases), but this is more common if left untreated for a long time.
What causes a Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Although the cause is not fully understood, there is strong evidence to suggest that Ultra-violet (UV) rays from the sun or sunbeds can damage the skin, which may contribute to the development of a squamous cell carcinoma.
Other less common causes are radiation therapy, trauma, chemicals, and viruses. Some people who have lowered immunity are also at risk.
What types of treatment are used?
Surgery is usually the first choice for treating a suspected squamous cell carcinoma. The most common surgical procedure is to excise the lesion along with some normal looking skin around it.
This is normally done as a day case operation, with the patient awake. The diagnosis is then confirmed by sending the lesion away to be examined under a microscope.
Occasionally, it is necessary to repair the area with a skin graft or local flap reconstruction techniques as used in plastic surgery.
