As indicated by the term, it is a cancer affecting the squamous cell of the skin. The process of skin cell transformation causes skin cell cancer. The transformation may start in healthy normal cells.

Risk factors

Individuals who are exposed regularly to strong sun rays for a very long time are at high risk for skin cancers. Other factors that increase the risk of squamous cell skin cancer include:

• Increased exposure to x-rays either naturally or during taking of x-rays, which are usually done to know internal organization of the body, may initiate the skin cell transformation process.

• Exposure to toxic chemicals such as arsenic causes skin cancer.

• Features such as pale skin, blond or red hair and blue are considered exceedingly beautiful. But individuals with these features are at more risk for skin cancer.

• Individuals above the age of 50 are at high risk for skin cancer.

Symptoms

Squamous cell skin cancer is recognized by small bumps over the skin which is reddish patches with uneven surface. Though the extent of bumpiness of the tumor seen in this type of cancer is quiet less compared to basal cell skin cancer, it is highly dangerous as it has the property to spread to other parts of the body very easily. Areas that are highly prone to this type of cancer include ears, face, neck and hands. However, the bumps may develop in other regions as well.

Indications of skin cancer

• Injuries that do not heal for a very long time serve as signs for skin cancer.

• Any change in the color, shape, size and symmetry of the existing moles is an indication for skin cancer.

Diagnosis

Existence of any of the above symptoms serves as a primary diagnostic test for skin cancer. However, the above symptoms could be due to other skin disorders such as fungal infections or poor immune system. Confirmation of skin cancer is based on a biopsy test of the skin sample. Presence of tumor cells in the skin sample confirms skin cancer.

Treatment

Unlike most other forms of cancer, skin cancer can be treated completely. Treatment generally involves surgical removal of the affected area. If the tumor size is very large and demands a removal of a large area of the skin, then skin grafting is done to replace the removed skin.

In some cases the size of the tumor is reduced by means of radiation therapy before performing a surgery.

If radiation therapy and surgery fail to give effective results then chemotherapy is the last available option. But this too does not give positive results for squamous cell skin cancer.

Now that you know detail information about squamous cell skin cancer, take appropriate care to prevent it from developing initially by reducing the extent of exposure to sun rays, that’s by fully covering your body or by applying sunscreen lotion before going out in sun. If any of the above symptoms are noticed, take immediate action and contact your physician to know the exact cause of the symptoms and cure.

Jonathan Pitts

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