Health Encyclopedia

Squamous cell skin cancer

Definition

Squamous cell skin cancer is a type of tumor that affects the skin.

Alternative Names

Cancer - skin - squamous cell; Skin cancer - squamous cell

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Squamous cell cancer results when cells in the skin start to change. The changes may begin in normal skin or in skin that has been injured or inflamed. Most skin cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Skin cancer is most often seen in people over age 50.

Risks for squamous cell skin cancer include:

A large number of x-rays
Arsenic
Chemical exposure
Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation
Having light-colored skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
Older age

Squamous cell cancer spreads faster than basal cell cancer, but still may be relatively slow-growing. It can spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs.

Symptoms

The main symptom of squamous cell skin cancer is a growing bump that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches.

The bump is usually located on the face, ears, neck, hands, or arms, but may occur on other areas.

A sore that does not heal can be a sign of squamous cell cancer. Any change in an existing wart, mole, or other skin lesion could be a sign of skin cancer.

Signs and tests

A lesion on the skin may indicate a squamous cell carcinoma. A biopsy and examination of the lesion can confirm whether it is squamous cell cancer.

Treatment

Skin cancer has a high cure rate if it is treated early. Treatment depends on how big the tumor is, its location, and how much it has spread (metastasis).

Surgery to remove the tumor is often recommended. Microscopic shaving (Mohs' surgery) may be used to remove tumors in visible areas, such as the nose, ears, and other areas of the face. Skin grafting may be needed if wide areas of skin are removed.

Radiation therapy may help reduce tumor size. Chemotherapy can be used if surgery and radiation fail, but it usually does not work very well for squamous cell cancer.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most (95%) of squamous cell tumors can be cured if removed promptly. New tumors may develop, so if you've had squamous cell cancer, have your skin regularly examined by your health care provider.

Complications

Local spread of the tumor
Spread to other locations, including the internal organs

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you see the lesion change in:

Appearance
Color
Size
Texture

Also call if you have pain, inflammation, bleeding, or itching of an existing skin lesion.

Prevention

Reduce your sun exposure. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.

Sunlight is most intense at midday, so try to limit exposure during these hours. Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 30. Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply frequently. Use a sunscreen throughout the year, even during the winter.

Examine the skin regularly for any new suspicious growths or changes in an existing skin lesion. A new growth that forms an ulcer or is slow to heal is suspicious.

Suspicious changes in an existing growth include:

A change in color, size, texture, or appearance
Development of pain, inflammation, bleeding, or itching

References

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2006.

Review Date:1/22/2008
Reviewed By:Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.