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Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Protection & Treatment Options

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a major type of cancer that arises from the outer epidermal layer of the skin and mucous membranes and occurs most commonly in areas exposed to the sun. If untreated, squamous cell carcinoma may penetrate and destroy underlying tissue. In a small percentage of cases, this tumour can spread (metastasize) to distant organs and may be fatal.

Chronic sun exposure is the leading cause of squamous cell carcinoma, especially in people with fair skin, light hair and blue, green or grey eyes. Other factors that may contribute to the development of this cancer include burns, scars, exposure to radiation or chemicals, chronic inflammatory conditions and immunosuppression.

Although more likely to develop in fair-skinned individuals, squamous cell carcinoma may occur in dark-skinned people, especially at sites of preexisting inflammatory conditions or burns.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma on face

Signs that may indicate the presence of squamous cell carcinoma include scaly red patches, elevated growth with a central depression, wart-like growths, nodules and open sores. All of these types of lesions may develop a crusted surface or bleed.

How can you protect yourself from Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Because chronic overexposure to sunlight is the leading cause of squamous cell carcinoma, sun avoidance, especially during the peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is an important preventive measure to help reduce the risk of developing this skin cancer.

Limit your exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunglasses, broad-brimmed hats and protective, tightly woven clothing. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30+ on all exposed skin, including the lips, even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen frequently.

Avoid tanning parlours and artificial tanning devices.

Inspect your entire body regularly for any skin changes, especially those already mentioned, and routinely visit your local skin cancer clinic for a thorough skin examination.

Treatment Options

After sections of tissue from a biopsy of your skin are assessed under a microscope by a dermatopathologist and determined to be squamous cell carcinoma, your doctor will recommend several treatment options. Your doctor’s recommendations for therapy depending on the size, location and subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. Your age and general health are also taken into consideration.

The more common treatment option for this type of skin cancer is excisional surgery. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or even topical creams could also be considered for very early lesions. Your doctor will discuss these treatment options with you.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma on lips

Don't become a statistic

SCC is the second most common skin cancer (after basal cell carcinoma), affecting more than 10,000 Australians each year. When completely treated, the cure rate for SCC is greater than 95 per cent. The incidence of developing SCC increases with age and these lesions tend to occur more often in males than females. A person who has had an SCC or even a basal cell carcinoma has an increased risk of developing another, emphasising the need for close follow-up.

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