Squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) is the second common type of skin cancer next to basal cell carcinoma in the USA. Squamous is the term given for thin flat cells that form the outer layer of the skin of our body. Generally SCC is not very serious and can be treated with suitable therapy and medications. However in some cases it can spread to other body parts.
Over 7 million people in the USA are diagnosed with SCC each year. Over the past 30 years, skin cancer has increased steadily when compared with other types of cancer. About 40-50% of people above 65 years would develop BCC or SCC in America. More than 90% of people diagnosed with skin cancer have the root cause of UV exposure from the sun.
Symptoms :
SCC targets the most exposed skin areas like the back portion of the hands, ears and the scalp. Tiny red colored lesions are seen on the skin. Fresh sores would appear in the place of old ulcers with raised border. A flat lesion with scaly crust or scaly patches on the lips which would develop into open sore or ulcers are some of the common signals of SCC. For some people sores are formed on the mouth and lips resembling rough patch. For others painful sores that are red tiny raised patches are formed on the anus or genitals.
Causes :
The main cause of SCC is the exposure of the body to UV rays of the sun. The outermost layer of the skin undergoes mutations wherein old cells die giving place to new cells. But in people with SCC old cells will not die thus newer cells are formed above it eventually leading to uncontrolled development of squamous cells. Some people can develop SCC due to exposure to tanning beds and lamps. Weakened immune system and exposure to toxic substances are also some of the causes for developing SCC.