Squamous cell skin cancer is one of the most common types of skin cancer, yet it is highly preventable with the right precautions and awareness. Here are some practical tips and expert guidance to help you understand the risk factors and recognize early warning signs. We will also discuss how to take proactive steps to protect your skin. By staying informed and vigilant, you can reduce your risk of squamous cell skin cancer and safeguard your health.
Understanding Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
Squamous cell skin cancer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is the second most common form of skin cancer in the United States. It develops when DNA damage or other damaging agents trigger abnormal changes in the squamous cells, which form the outer layer of the skin’s epidermis. SCC can also develop in areas of the body lined with mucous membranes, such as the genitals and the throat.
Every day, approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer. Among these cases, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for an estimated 1.8 million diagnoses each year.
If left untreated, SCC can metastasize, spreading to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, making early detection and prevention essential.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop squamous cell skin cancer, but certain factors increase the risk, including:
- Prolonged UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds
- Sun-damaged skin at a young age
- Fair skin prone to sunburn
- Aged 65 years or older
- A weakened immune system, such as in organ transplant or leukemia patients
- Family history of skin cancer
- Chronic exposure to chemical toxins or radiation
Signs and Symptoms
SCC most often appears in sun-exposed areas, such as the face, ears, scalp, or arms. Watch for the following signs and symptoms.
- Persistent rough, scaly, itchy patches
- Hard, red bumps
- A wound, sore, or wart-like growth that refuses to heal or that heals and comes back
- A growth that may crust over, resembling a scab, and bleed
- A raised growth higher than the surrounding skin that dips inward in the center
- A lesion on the lower lip, often accompanied by a burning sensation when exposed to sunlight
- White or pale spots inside the mouth, on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks
If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, seeking professional evaluation promptly is critical.
How to Prevent Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
Here are some tips to prevent squamous cell skin cancer.
Protect Your Skin
Sun damage is the leading cause of SCC, making sun protection your number one defense. Follow these tips to help protect your skin and minimize sun damage.
- Use sunscreen daily with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection. Apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming
- Seek shade when the sun is at its peak, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing, such as lightweight long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Protect your lips with a lip balm or lipstick containing sunscreen
- Avoid tanning beds entirely, as their concentrated UV radiation significantly increases the risk of developing SCC and other skin cancers
- Exercise caution around snow, water, and sand, as they reflect and intensify the sun’s harmful rays, increasing the risk of sunburn
- Regularly examine your skin head-to-toe
- See your physician for an annual professional skin exam
Early Diagnosis Matters
Even with protective measures, it is crucial to catch potential issues early. Regular skin checks can lead to early diagnosis, which often results in higher treatment success rates.
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Skin cancer can be treated through various effective methods, with the choice of treatment depending on factors such as the type, location, and size of the cancer and your overall health. At the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we provide a range of cutting-edge treatments tailored to your individual needs.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating squamous cell skin cancer and other high-risk skin cancers. Dr. Giuffrida uses this precise technique to:
- Remove cancerous cells layer by layer
- Evaluate each tissue layer under a microscope during surgery
- Preserve as much healthy skin as possible, making it ideal for delicate areas like the scalp, lips, and face
Other Treatments
Depending on the case, alternative treatment options may include:
- Electrodessication and Curettage (scraping and burning cancerous cells)
- Surgical Excision (surgically removing the tumor and a margin of normal-appearing skin)
- Topical chemotherapy (a medicated cream that destroys localized cancerous cells)
- Immunotherapy (a cream applied to the area of the skin cancer which generates an immune response to destroy cancer cells)
- Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
- Photodynamic Therapy (using light exposure and light-sensitive agents to destroy cancer cells)
- Radiation therapy (uses low-energy X-ray beams, often used where surgery is not viable)
Why Regular Skin Check-Ups Are Vital
Annual skin examinations by a dermatologist can significantly reduce the risk of advanced SCC. These visits allow professionals to detect and treat abnormalities before they progress.
Self-Examinations
Learning to perform self-examination is also a valuable habit.
- Check for new or changing skin lesions monthly
- Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas like your back or scalp
- Look for non-healing sores, abnormal growths, or unusual textures in your skin
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment, Coral Gables, FL
At the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center we provide effective treatments for skin cancer full body screenings, and other skin surgical procedures. Specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, board-certified Dr. Giuffrida is highly trained and skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
To learn more about our range of services, call us today at (305) 461-2000 or use our convenient appointment request form. Prevention and early treatment can make all the difference.
