WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Squamous cell carcinoma is a slow-growing type of cancer
that affects the outer layers of the skin. Normal cells divide
in an orderly way, making more cells only when needed. But when
cancer develops, the cells begin to grow and divide without
restraint, often forming a lump or bump called a tumor. In many
types of cancer, the diseased cells spread to other parts of
the body. Fortunately, basal cancer cells usually do
not.
This form of cancer strikes most often in fair-skinned,
light-haired people who spend a lot of time in the sun. Like
other types of skin cancer, it usually doesn't appear before
age 40.
Causes
The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultra-violet
(UV) rays from the sun. Sun lamps and tanning booths that use
man-made UV rays are also a threat. You are more susceptible if
you're frequently exposed to coal tars, pitch, creosote,
arsenic, or radium.
Signs/Symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a small, scaly
bump that crusts and damages the skin. The bumps are most often
found on the neck or face, the area of your body most
frequently exposed to the sun. They do not hurt or
itch.
Care
Your doctor may first perform a biopsy, removing a sample
of the tumor for microscopic examination. If cancer cells are
discovered, they'll be studied to determine what stage the
cancer has reached. The doctor may also order a chest x-ray to
see whether the cancer has spread.
A variety of methods are available for removing the
cancer. If there is any chance that the cancer has spread,
radiation or chemotherapy may also be needed. The removal is
frequently done in the doctor's office, using a local
anesthetic to numb the area. Among the techniques you may
encounter are the following:
-
Cryosurgery (KRI-o-SIR-jer-ee): This approach uses
liquid nitrogen to freeze the tumor and kill the cancer
cells. Several applications of nitrogen may be needed
during the procedure. After the area thaws, the dead skin
falls off. While there is usually no pain from the
nitrogen, the area may become swollen and painful once it
thaws. Like curettage, cryosurgery may leave a white
scar---and may have to be repeated.
-
Mohs' Surgery: This procedure is designed to remove
only cancer cells, leaving as much healthy tissue as
possible. It's a favored treatment for big or deep tumors,
and tumors in places that are hard to treat. The doctor
scrapes off many thin layers of the tumor one at a time,
examining each layer for cancer cells through a microscope.
The scraping continues until the tumor is gone. The size of
the scar depends on the size of the treated
area.
-
Laser Therapy: This approach relies on a narrow beam
of light to kill the cancer cells in the outer layers of
skin. Laser therapy produces very little scarring, but the
treated area is usually painful until it
heals.
-
Skin Grafting: If a large section of skin has been
removed, the doctor may cover the injured area with a piece
of healthy skin from elsewhere on the body. This aids
healing and reduces scarring.
-
Topical Chemotherapy: The form of therapy attacks
the tumor with cancer-killing medications applied in cream
or lotion form. The medication causes pain and inflammation
during treatment, but usually leaves no scar.
-
Radiation: Focused beams of x-rays or gamma rays are
frequently used to kill skin cancer cells in hard-to-treat
areas, such as the eyelid, tip of the nose, or the ear.
This treatment can cause a rash or make the skin dry or
red. After the treatment, the area may be discolored or
feel unusual.
Risks
The risks from this type of skin cancer are few, and the
treatments can be unpleasant. Nevertheless, treatment is
advisable. Otherwise, there is a slight but real chance that
the cancer will spread.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
If you are taking topical
chemotherapy, be careful to keep the medication on only
that part of the skin undergoing treatment. If any gets on
healthy skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
If it gets on your clothes, wash them right
away.
-
As a precaution, some people
see their doctor at least every 3 months for the first year
after treatment, and every 6 months for 4 years after
that.
-
Sun starts damaging your skin
from the first exposure. Guard your skin from the sun's UV
rays by:
-
-
Wearing sunscreen with an
SPF of at least 15 and protection against UVA and UVB
rays. Follow the directions on the label and reapply
the lotion if you are in the sun for more than 1
hour.
-
Wearing pants and long
sleeved shirts to protect the skin on your arms and
legs.
-
Wearing a hat with a wide
brim to protect both your face and neck.
-
Check for new bumps on the
skin once a month.
-
-
Become familiar with the
appearance of your regular birthmarks and moles (small,
dark bumps on the skin). Most normal moles show up by
the time you are 30 to 40 years old. A mole that
appears after you reach 30 should be watched closely
for changes.
-
Check all parts of your
body, including your scalp, the area between your toes
and your buttocks, and the palms of your
hands.
-
The best time to look for
new bumps is after a shower or bath. Make sure you do
this in a room that has good light. Use either a
full-length or a hand-held mirror.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You notice any sore or bump
that might be a cancer.
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