SKIN CANCER, SQUAMOUS-CELL

General Information

DEFINITION--A malignant growth of the epithelial layer (external surface) of the skin.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands or arms.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults over 40.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--A small, disfiguring, scaling, raised bump on the skin with a crusting ulcer in the center. The bump doesn't hurt or itch.

CAUSES

• Excessive exposure to sunlight.
• Skin damaged by radiation.
• Immunosuppression due to illness or drugs.
• Exposure to coal tar, other oil and tar derivatives.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Light complexion.
• Recent illness with chronic skin ulcers from any cause.
• Outdoor occupation.
• Occupation or treatment requiring exposure to X-rays.
• Actinic keratosis (see in Illness section).

HOW TO PREVENT

• Wear sunscreen (sun-protective factor of 15 or more) or hat and protective clothing to protect skin from sun damage.
• Perform monthly self-exams of your skin, especially if you have had previous skin cancers (see Skin Self-exam in Appendix).

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Biopsy (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

Doctor's treatment. Treatment selection varies with appearance, extent and location of the lesion. > Removal of cancer by one of the following methods. The treatment method is chosen in a doctor-patient conference:

1. Curettage and electrodesiccation-local anesthetic applied, then cutting out or shaving of lesion, followed by high-frequency electrical current to destroy tissue with heat. 2. Surgical excision-local anesthetic, then skin is marked for surgery, and a scalpel is used for the excision. 3. Moh's surgery-a specialized type of excisional surgery used to treat high-risk cancers. 4. Cryosurgery-use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill the cells. A local anesthetic is often used. 5. Laser treatment-is being used in some medical centers. 6. Radiation treatment-used if tumor location requires it, such as locations near lips and eyelids.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Must be treated again in 10% of cases.
• Cancer will spread to other tissue if untreated (rare).

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Curable with appropriate treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES-- After surgery:

• Apply diluted hydrogen peroxide or sterile saline solution to the scab twice a day.
• Apply an adhesive bandage to the scab during the day. Leave it uncovered at night.
• Wash the wound as usual. Dry gently and completely after bathing or swimming.

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
• Your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotic ointment or cream to prevent infection after surgery.

ACTIVITY--After treatment, resume normal activity as soon as possible.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of squamous-cell skin cancer.
• The following occurs after treatment: Redness, swelling, bleeding or tenderness at the treatment site. Pain that is not controlled by non-prescription pain relievers.
• The sore has not healed 3 weeks after treatment.