Confirming Whether You’ve Got Any Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer Symptoms
Any unusual mole that is getting darker, larger or changing in shape should be looked at by a dermatologist or skin specialist. Identifying squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer can be somewhat tricky. There are other conditions that can look very similar to malignant growths. Only a biopsy can truly confirm if a growth is malignant or not.
Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer
The first thing to consider, if you are afraid of a malignant growth, is whether you have any risk factors. A fair complexion, blonde hair, and blue eyes may make a person more likely to get this type of malignancy. However, overuse of tanning beds, working in the sun without protection and getting severe sunburns are also risk factors.
Diagnosis and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Staging
When a skin specialist suspects a malignant growth, he or she will perform a biopsy. If cancer is confirmed, the next process involves squamous cell skin cancer staging. There are levels of progression into the various layers of the skin and letters that represent whether the malignancy has spread to other parts of the body. T stands for a primary tumor that has not spread. N is used for malignancy that has spread to the lymph nodes. M indicates spreading of the cancer cells to other parts of the body. Levels of involvement range from 0 to 4. At 0, the tumor remains on the outer most layer of the epidermis. At stage 4, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and usually has affected all layers of the skin.
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment
Squamous cell skin cancer treatment can involve different surgical procedures, radiation and chemotherapy. Excision or removal of the tumor is a common surgical procedure used. Another procedure involves scraping away the tumor from the skin, then destroying any remaining cells with a needle. Another method involves removing thin layers of the skin, until all signs of the malignancy are removed. This is commonly done for tumors on the face. Radiation is often used for tumors on the ears and eyelids, as surgery can be difficult to perform in such areas.
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Metastasis
Chemotherapy is usually recommended for squamous cell skin cancer metastasis. The length of treatment and types of drugs used will depend on how much the cancer has spread and sometimes on how well an individual is able to tolerate treatment. Removing lymph nodes in which cancer cells are present may also be needed, if a biopsy of one of the nodes indicates cells are present.
Prevention of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer
People with fair skin should keep the face, hands and arms covered while outdoors. Liberal use of sunblock is a good idea. This is particularly helpful for those who cannot avoid working in the sun. Avoidance of tanning beds, smoking and sunburn are others steps to take in prevention. These steps will also help keep the skin looking young. These are just a few of the steps people can take to reduce the risks of squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer.
