Squamous Cell Carcinoma
What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Come From?
The second most common form of skin cancer in the United States (basal cell carcinoma is number one), squamous cell carcinoma (commonly referred to as SCC) occurs when there is a mutation in the DNA of squamous skin cells, which exist in the middle and outer layers of the epidermis. SCC is typically the result of extended UV exposure and is thus found on areas regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, back of the hands, ears, lips, and neck.
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing SCC?
UV exposure is the number one cause of SCC, though your risk for developing it increases if you are fair-skinned, have a family history of skin cancer, have ever had a sunburn that blistered, or you have a weakened immune system.
Is SCC Life-Threatening?
SCC can be life-threatening if it remains undetected and progresses to an advanced stage. SCC is the most common skin cancer in darker skin types where is often detected at a more advanced stage.
What Does It Look Like?
SCC often presents as a flat, scaly sore, a patch of rough skin, or a firm red, wart-like bump. The patch or bump may bleed (then scab) when scratched. If you suspect you may have an SCC spot, be proactive and visit OptiSkin so Dr. Markowitz can take a look. Remember, early intervention is key to minimizing the invasiveness (and scarring) of skin cancer treatment.
How We Diagnose SCC at OptiSkin
At OptiSkin, Dr. Markowitz avoids excising suspicious spots with a scalpel and sending them off to a lab to be analyzed but in some advanced cases, surgical intervention is required. Thanks to her state-of-the-art imaging devices, Dr. Markowitz is able to diagnose most skin cancer tumors noninvasively. At every skin exam, Dr. Markowitz first utilizes a dermatoscope to magnify the skin and study every inch in detail. If she does see an area that merits closer investigation, Dr. Markowitz will then use her reflectance confocal microscope to capture a more detailed image. This image enables her to identify mutations in the skin cells and diagnose skin cancer like SCC without ever having to cut the skin. Using the imaging devices also enables Dr. Markowitz to identify SCC far earlier—before it presents on the skin as rough patch or bump.
How We Treat SCC at OptiSkin
Dr. Markowitz creates a customized treatment regimen for each patient. She will typically first analyze the size and depth of the skin cancer tumor using optical coherence tomography (a noninvasive laser), then she designs a protocol of non-ablative lasers when detected at a stage appropriate to non-invasively treat the area. For most patients, there is little to no downtime while treating SCC, and many tumors are resolved in just one to two treatments.
The Link between Actinic Keratosis and SCC
SCC can begin as a precancerous lesion called actinic keratosis (AK). AKs are caused by exposure to the sun, and they usually present as rough, pink spots on the skin. Most AK spots don’t become cancer, but they can be an indicator that you are at a higher risk for developing SCC. Monitoring or even removing AK spots can help minimize your risk of developing SCC. One of OptiSkin’s most popular treatments, photodynamic therapy, is FDA-approved to remove AK spots efficiently and prevent development of skin cancers like SCC.
Call OptiSkin Today
If you are concerned about a spot on your skin—or have any of the risk factors outlined above—alleviate your worry by calling to schedule an appointment with Dr. Markowitz. SCC is highly treatable, but the goal is to catch it early and minimize the invasiveness of treatment.
Nearly 10 percent of actinic keratosis will become SCC tumors.
Image by Biofrontera
SCC is typically highly treatable when caught early. However, if an SCC tumor is left undetected and able to advance, it can become life-threatening.
Illustration by L. Gerski (MyPathology Report, CA)