Squamous cell skin cancer (also called squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) is a common type of skin cancer. It can occur on any part of the skin. This includes the head, neck, trunk, arms, hands, and legs. It also includes inside the mouth, on the genitals, and on the skin near the anus.
It's more common in people with lighter skin. In these people, it most often appears on parts of the body exposed to the sun. In people with darker skin, it appears more often on skin that isn't exposed to the sun and in areas where there are scars or ongoing skin problems.
Skin cancer is usually treated with surgery. When found and treated early, most of these cancers can be cured. If not treated, this skin cancer may grow and spread (metastasize).
This skin cancer is often caused by too much sun. Using tanning beds or sunlamps can also cause it.
Squamous cell skin cancer (also called squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) is a common type of skin cancer. When found and treated early, most of these cancers can be cured. If not treated, this skin cancer may grow and spread (metastasize).
This cancer is often caused by being exposed to UV rays from the sun. Using tanning beds or sunlamps can also cause it.
It can occur anywhere on the skin. This includes the head, neck, trunk, arms, hands, and legs. It also includes inside the mouth, on the genitals, and on the skin near the fingernails, toenails, and anus.
It's more common in people with lighter skin. In these people, it most often appears on parts of the body exposed to the sun. In people with darker skin, it appears more often on skin that isn't exposed to the sun and in areas where there are scars or ongoing skin problems.
This skin cancer may also appear on skin that has been burned, exposed to chemicals, or had radiation therapy.
Treatment is usually surgery to remove the cancer. If it can't be removed, other treatments may be used, such as radiation therapy or medicines.
Squamous cell skin cancer usually develops slowly. Because of this slow growth, it can often be detected and treated early, increasing the chance for a cure.
Squamous cell carcinoma may grow from a small rough spot in sun-damaged skin (actinic keratosis). Or it may develop from an early form of skin cancer called Bowen's disease. If a squamous cell skin cancer is not treated, or if the initial treatment doesn't work, it may spread (metastasize) to the nearby lymph nodes. From there it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or brain.
After you have one skin cancer, you are more likely to have another one develop in a new place.
Squamous cell skin cancer often affects the head, neck, trunk, arms, and legs. But it can be anywhere on the body where there is skin. This includes inside the mouth, on the genitals, and near the anus.
Signs of squamous cell skin cancer include:
Your doctor will want to remove all of the cancer. There are several ways to remove it. It depends on how big it is, where it is on your body, and your age and overall health. Options include:
Radiation therapy may be done if surgery isn't an option. Other treatment options include medicine applied to the skin (topical therapy). Treatment for advanced cases may include immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
After treatment, you'll need regular checkups.
Your doctor will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. This will include taking a close look at the skin growth. The doctor may take a sample (biopsy) of the growth to test in a lab. A biopsy can confirm whether the growth is cancer.
Protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. For example, stay out of the sun during midday hours, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Get skin exams as advised by your doctor, and check all of your own skin for changes. Avoid medicines that can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Squamous cell skin cancer is a common type of skin cancer. It's often caused by too much sun. This cancer grows slowly. When found and treated early, most of these cancers can be cured. If not treated, this skin cancer may grow and spread (metastasize).
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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