Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin Panama
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
Basically, squamous cell carcinoma starts in the thin, flat cells (which are similar in shape to fish scales) found in the tissue on the surface of the skin, digestive tract, airways, and the lining of hollow organs.
It is also known as squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. It is a malignant tumor represented by one or more Skin lesions that are usually more aggressive than basal cell cancer, whose reproduction is slow-growing.
Why does squamous cell carcinoma of the skin occur?
Some studies confirm that this cancer is the product of DNA changes or mutations, where the thin, flat skin cells in its middle and outer layers are affected, resulting in the appearance of cancer cells.
These mutations signal the squamous cells to reproduce out of control and stay alive, even when normal cells die.
One of the risk factors that help skin carcinomas become active is exposure to ultraviolet rays.
However, this excessive sun exposure does not explain most cases of skin cancer, in which patients do not have a history of significant sunburn.
What are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?
The symptoms and signs that are present in patients with squamous cell carcinoma are mostly skin lesions, including:
- A wart-like sore
- A rough patch inside the mouth
- A red nodule
- A raised sore on a scar
- A flat patch with a scaly crust
- A scaly patch on the lip that then turns into a sore
Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin in Panama
There are a variety of treatments for skin cancer today, which vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.
These types of cancer cells can be successfully treated if they are found early, because larger skin carcinomas are more difficult to treat than small carcinomas.
In fact, it is possible for this type of neoplasm to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body; however, it is something that happens very rarely.
If applicable, their treatment falls within one of the following schemes or a combination of several of them:
Surgery.
This procedure is applied to different types of skin cancer, trying to remove all the cancer cells.
Radiotherapy.
It is a technique used in patients with skin lesions that cannot be removed with surgery. In some cases, the surgical option is used as an adjunct resource.
Electro desiccation.
This method is mostly used in small, thin (1cm wide) squamous cell tumors, which are removed by applying electric shocks.
Excision.
It consists of removing the tumor with a small margin of skin.
Mohs surgery.
This surgical technique is applied in cell carcinomas scaly lesions larger than 2cm that have reappeared after other treatments. In these cases, the aim is to remove the cancer that is spreading along the nerves under the skin; so it is a complex method that also takes longer than other surgeries.
Cryotherapy.
It is a therapy that takes advantage of the direct application of intense cold to destroy cancer cells. It is used in squamous cell cancers during their early stage, but is not recommended in large invasive tumors.
Immunotherapy.
This treatment is used in patients who cannot be operated on with surgery or radiotherapy; however, its effectiveness does not yet have definitive scientific results.
How to prevent squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?
There are several ways to prevent or avoid being surprised by squamous cell cancer of the skin:
- Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with dark, tight-fitting clothing. If possible, wear a hat instead of a cap or visor.
- Wear sunscreen. Apply plenty of sunscreen and touch up every two to three hours. It is best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, with SPF greater than 30.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure. Schedule outdoor activities when the day is cloudy or during the winter. If you must maintain the Exposure to the sun, avoid as much as possible between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
- Check your skin regularly. Check for any changes in moles, freckles, or birthmarks. When examining yourself, you should take into account the entire body: face, neck, scalp, chest, trunk, arms, legs, feet, and genitals.
Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma of the skin usually involves the following procedures:
Physical examination
The cancer specialist performs a visual evaluation of the skin, while asking questions about the patient’s medical history to determine if there are signs or symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma.
Biopsy
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may remove a tissue sample from the suspicious lesion. This is done through a biopsy, in which part or all of the lesion is cut. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for pathological analysis to determine if there is any cancer cells and assess the degree of aggressiveness.
In addition, imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be done if there is suspicion that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Risk factor
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin has several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing this disease. Some of these factors include:
- Fair skin: People with fair skin have a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Having less pigment in your skin offers less protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Excessive sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun is a major risk factor in squamous cell carcinoma.
- Age: Most cases of squamous cell carcinoma occur in people over the age of 50.
- Sex: Men are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma than women.
- History of skin cancer: Those who have previously had other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, are also at increased risk.
- Immunosuppression: Having a weakened immune system, either due to certain diseases or immunosuppressive drugs, increases the chances of suffering from skin carcinomas.
Frequently Asked Questions – Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
When we come across a suspected cancer, it is normal for us to ask ourselves many questions that can only be answered correctly by a specialist. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
How dangerous is SCC?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can destroy all surrounding healthy tissue if it is not treated promptly. It can also spread to lymph nodes and reach other organs (metastasis).
Is surgery needed for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
For the patient diagnosed with SCC that has not spread, there is a likelihood of undergoing a variety of treatments, including:
- Laser surgery
- Electro desiccation
- Removal by surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Cryosurgery
- Topical medications
Is SCC contagious?
Squamous cells are scattered in different parts of the body; Therefore, squamous cell carcinoma can arise anywhere squamous cell cells are present.
However, as it is a disease caused by a cellular alteration, there is no possibility of direct contagion by physical contact.
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