Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Female: Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer affecting 250,000 Americans annually. So what is Squamous cell carcinoma? Female: Squamous cell carcinoma or SCC is a type of cancer that forms on the skin’s outermost layer. If left untreated and allow it to spread SCC can cause severe scaring or end up to 4% of cases death. The best way to avoid these consequences is to avoid the sun. Like 90% of skin cancers SCC almost always arises from over exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Chronic sun exposure is not the only factor that can make you a more likely candidate to develop SCC. However, knowing if you are a high-risk candidate can help you to protect yourself. Unlike the other type of non-melanoma skin cancer SCC can arise from chronically scared or inflamed skin. The human papilloma virus, which often causes warts, can also lead to SCC. People with weakened immune systems or immunosuppression have a higher risk of developing SCC. Possible causes of a weak immune system include the HIV virus and organ transplant medication. As with other skin cancers people with fair skin light hair and blue or green eyes have a higher risk of developing SCC. Many doctors believe that a family has a personal history of any caner may also be factors. SCC craps up most frequently in the male population over 40. so older man need to be extra vigilant about checking their skin for signs of cancer. While being aware of the risk factors is the first step to keeping yourself safe from SCC. It is also important to know how skin cancer manifests itself and what it looks like. SCC is developed from keratinocytes the tough wall cells that make up 90% of the skin’s outer layer. Years of sun damage can cause these cells to change in size and shape resulting mid tumors that are characteristic of SCC. Often SCC’s appears first as rough scaly patches on the skin. These precancerous lesions known as actinic keratosis or AK’s can eventually develop into SCC. The typical SCC manifests itself as a new or enlarging tumor that is thick and rough. Most of the tumors emerge on the head or neck. Although any skin can be affected. Squamous cell carcinoma often appears to be a wart like growth or a scaly red patch that crusts on the top and occasionally bleeds. Sometimes SCC begins as an open sore that continuously bleeds and crusts for weeks at a time without really healing. If left untreated Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to vital organs and cause death. So, it is imperative to see a doctor anytime you notice changes in the appearance or texture of your skin. Female: Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.