Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Causes, Treatment Options, and Further Details
Article Title: Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) on the Skin: Appearance, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, accounting for more than 15,000 deaths annually in the United States [1]. SCC typically appears as a hard, scaly lump or ulcer that may be pink, red, or brown. It can present as a slow-growing, scaly patch, wart-like growth, or a rough, thickened area that sometimes bleeds or crusts [2][3].
Regardless of skin tone, SCC most commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face (including lips and ears), scalp, neck, and backs of hands, due to the high UV exposure in these areas [1][2][3]. However, it can also occur on non-sun-exposed sites, especially in people with darker skin tones (brown or black skin), where it might appear inside the mouth, tongue, throat, soles of feet, genitals, and anus [3][4].
For people with darker skin tones, skin cancers including SCC often present in less obvious ways and frequently arise in non-sun-exposed areas. They may appear as new dark brown or black moles or lesions with irregular edges or other atypical growths [3][4].
Here is a summary of the typical appearance of SCC and its common locations by skin tone:
| Aspect | Typical SCC Appearance | Common Locations by Skin Tone | |-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Appearance | Hard, scaly lumps; pink/red patches; ulcerated lesions; wart-like growths, sometimes bleeding or crusting | Sun-exposed areas chiefly: face, ears, lips, scalp, neck, backs of hands | | Lighter skin tones | Usually on sun-exposed sites (face, ears, neck, hands) | Mostly sun-exposed areas | | Darker skin tones | May be skin-colored or pigmented (red, brown, black), sometimes resembles dark moles or scaly patches | Sun-exposed areas and non-sun-exposed areas (mouth, soles, genitals, anus) |
Early detection and treatment significantly improve outcomes for SCC patients. More than 90% of SCC cases result from DNA mutations [5]. The doctor may use various methods to diagnose SCC, such as skin biopsy, dermoscopy, or Mohs surgery for high-risk lesions [2][3].
The outlook for SCC depends on the staging of the carcinoma, whether it has spread to other areas, the person's age, other conditions that may be present, and the characteristics of the tumor itself [6]. Treatment options include surgical methods like excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, Mohs surgery, and nonsurgical methods like radiation therapy and cryotherapy [2][3][7].
Preventive measures for SCC include reducing UV light exposure, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds and sun lamps, avoiding chemicals such as arsenic, quitting smoking, and regular skin self-examinations [8]. By taking these precautions, individuals can significantly decrease their risk of developing SCC.
References:
- Skin Cancer Foundation, (2021). Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). [online] Available at: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma-scc
- American Academy of Dermatology Association, (2021). Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/diseases/skin-cancer/squamous-cell-carcinoma
- Mayo Clinic, (2021). Squamous cell skin cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/squamous-cell-skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354142
- American Cancer Society, (2021). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer-squamous-cell-carcinoma.html
- Cancer Research UK, (2021). Squamous cell skin cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/squamous-cell-skin-cancer
- National Cancer Institute, (2021). Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®). [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/hp/squamous-cell-skin-treatment-pdq
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, (2021). Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Treatment Options. [online] Available at: https://www.asds.net/skin-cancer/types-of-skin-cancer/squamous-cell-carcinoma
- Skin Cancer Foundation, (2021). Sun Protection. [online] Available at: https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection
- Melanoma, another type of skin cancer, often requires immediate attention due to its high fatality rate, but Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form, causing over 15,000 annual deaths in the United States.
- Oncology specialists might find SCC in less obvious locations among people with darker skin tones, as it can appear as new dark brown or black moles or lesions with irregular edges or other atypical growths, not just on sun-exposed areas.
- Science has discovered that more than 90% of SCC cases result from DNA mutations, making early detection and treatment essential for better patient outcomes.
- Prevention is crucial in the health-and-wellness sphere, and it includes various practices such as reducing UV light exposure, applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds and sun lamps, and regular self-examinations, which can significantly decrease one's risk of developing SCC.
