Patient Information
Squamous Cell CarcinomaSquamous cell carcinoma, non-melanoma skin cancer
The second most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer and its close link to sun exposure.
In short: Squamous cell carcinoma, alongside basal cell carcinoma, is the second most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. Its occurrence is closely linked to cumulative sun exposure, and actinic keratoses are a direct precursor. It often appears as rough, scaly or keratotic nodules or plaques that can bleed and may be mistaken for warts — have new or non-healing lesions assessed.
Overview
Squamous cell carcinoma, alongside basal cell carcinoma, is the second most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, its occurrence is very directly linked to cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime; accordingly, UV-typical mutations in the p53 gene are found in practically all squamous cell carcinomas. Actinic keratoses are considered a direct precursor.
Squamous cell carcinomas often appear as rough, scaly or keratotic nodules or plaques that can bleed easily. They are not infrequently mistaken for common warts, which is why any newly appeared, growing or non-healing “wart” on the face should always be assessed by a GP or dermatologist.
Treatment Options
Consistent follow-up care also applies after treatment of a squamous cell carcinoma: an annual full-body skin cancer screening, along with the proactive prevention programmes of the Dermetrics concept, to help prevent the development of new actinic keratoses and further skin cancer lesions.
Sources
- Ratushny V. et al., UV Damage and DNA Repair in Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas.
- Sketchy Medical, Actinic Keratosis, Squamous Cell Carcinoma & Basal Cell Carcinoma.
- StatPearls, Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Evaluation and Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.