Squamous Cell carcinoma

All skin cancers lie within two categories, melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the malignant type and spreads rapidly. Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as basal cell carcinoma, is the non-melanoma type, accounting for 75% of all skin cancer cases in the United States.

Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the top layer of skin, usually on areas of the skin which have been exposed to the sun and ultraviolet rays. People as young as twenty have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a decrease in the median age from only a few decades ago. It's likely that destruction of the ozone layer has contributed.

This type of skin cancer is more prevalent in persons with light colored eyes, skin and hair. If you've spent plenty of time in the sun or have had large numbers of x-rays, your risk is also increased.

This non-melanoma skin cancer may appear as a new skin growth, which grows slowly and produces no pain. Squamous cell carcinomas sometimes bleed easily. They can develop on the scalp too.

Although squamous cell carcinoma rarely spreads, it's a good idea to have it excised by your doctor. Untreated, it is possible for it to grow on the surface and into tissue and bone.

If you find a suspicious growth, schedule a visit with your physician. He or she will inspect the area for color, texture, shape and other medical criteria necessary to diagnose. They may do a biopsy, in which a small piece of tissue is removed and examined microscopically to determine the types of cells found.

If a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma is made, your doctor will suggest a method of removal that is most effective for the size, affected area and depth of the skin cancer.

In cases of deeper cancers, it may be required to cut a portion of the skin out and stitch the skin back in place.

Another type of surgery is Mohs' surgery, which uses an iterative process, with the surgeon removing skin a bit at a time, followed by on the spot microscopic examination. The surgeon continues until a clean sample is obtained.

Cryosurgery involves simply freezing and thus killing the cancer. Electrodessication is a method that employs electricity to kill the cancer.

A squamous cell carcinoma that has been ignored and undetected may spread to organs or lymph nodes, depending on location. In this instance, surgery cannot treat this cancer, and radiation may be the only treatment.

It's a good idea to examine your body regularly and note any new growths. An early visit to the doctor will produce the best outcome. Pay attention to your exposure to sun! Wear a brimmed hat and slather on the sunscreen when outside.

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