Squamous+Cell+Carcinoma

= Squamous Cell Carcinoma = media type="custom" key="12701034" align="center"

//The 2nd most common form of nonmelanomaskin cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the squamous cells// **Signs/Symptoms**
 * Thick, scaly patch of skin with an irregular shape
 * Appears similar to a wart; often crusty or bloody
 * Elevated growth with a sensitive, inverted center—likely to rapidly grow


 * Causes/Risk Factors**
 * People with light hair, fair skin, and blue/green eyes are most susceptible
 * Substantial sun exposure, tanning beds
 * Genetic predisposition; highly UV-sensitive conditions
 * Twice as frequent in men, most often diagnosed in patients over the age of 50
 * Can arise from burns, scars, ulcer, etc
 * Immune deficiency diseases, excessive sun exposure, chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making skin cancer more likely to spread
 * Precancers**
 * Actinic Keratoses: rough, scaly, raised growths found on the sun-exposed areas of the body
 * Actinic Cheilitis: occurs most often on the lower lip because it is more exposed to sun than the upper lip
 * Leukoplakia: found in the mucous membranes in the mouth, mostly caused by tobacco use and habitual alcohol consumption
 * Bowen’s Disease: caused by sun exposure, chemical carcinogens, radiation, and genetics; can arise in mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and skin
 * Prevention**
 * Reduce exposure to harmful UV rays
 * Avoid tanning beds
 * Apply high quality (above SPF 15) sunscreen at least every two hours when exposed to the sun for a long time
 * Examine the skin frequently to check for any abnormalities (size, color, texture)
 * See a physician for yearly check-ups
 * Treatments**
 * Surgery: removes the cancer and surrounding cells using scalpels, freezing methods, laser techniques, and burning devices; most common treatment
 * Radiation: X-ray beams are directed at the tumor, administered several times on large, dangerous tumors, usually on younger patients
 * Medications: stimulate the immune system and release chemicals that kill cancerous cells

[|www.skincancer.org] [|www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] [|www.mayoclinic.com]
 * Sources**