Houston Squamous Cell Carcinoma Screening

WHAT CAUSES SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA?

1. Sun Exposure
The leading cause is chronic sun exposure or the use of tanning beds, which can damage skin cancer cells. People with fair skin and a family history of cancer are at high risk.

2. Immune System Suppression
Patients with a weakened immune system, such as those after an organ transplant, are at higher risk of developing cell carcinoma.

3. Genetics and Family History
Having a family member with cancer or medical history of precancerous lesions increases susceptibility.

4. Precancerous Lesions
Actinic keratosis, a sun-induced skin lesion, often develops into SCC. Bowen’s disease is another early form.

5. Other Risk Factors
Long-term scars, prior radiation, or exposure to chemicals such as arsenic may contribute to cancer development.

TYPES OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

SCC in situ (Bowen’s Disease):

This is the earliest form of squamous cell carcinoma, confined to the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). It often appears as a persistent, red, scaly patch or plaque that may resemble eczema or psoriasis. Because it has not yet invaded deeper tissues, SCC in situ is highly treatable and rarely spreads.

Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

In this type, cancer cells penetrate deeper into the skin layers and potentially into surrounding tissues. Invasive SCC may form a firm, raised nodule or ulcerated lesion that can bleed or crust. If left untreated, it can spread to lymph nodes and other organs, making treatment more complex. The risk of recurrence is higher than with SCC in situ, and timely intervention is critical.

Keratoacanthoma:

Keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing lesion that often resembles SCC but may sometimes regress on its own. It typically appears as a dome-shaped nodule with a central crater filled with keratin. Despite the potential for spontaneous regression, many specialists recommend surgical removal because distinguishing it from invasive SCC can be difficult. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of tissue damage and potential spread.

WHAT IS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA SCREENING?

Screening for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a proactive process performed by a qualified health care professional to detect skin cancer.

During the skin exam, our provider may:

• Review your medical history: Assess personal and family history of skin cancer, sun exposure habits, prior skin lesions, and other risk factors such as immune system suppression or previous radiation therapy.
• Conduct a full-body physical exam: Carefully examine the entire skin surface, including sun-exposed and less visible areas such as the scalp, back, and feet, to identify suspicious lesions or unusual changes.
• Use dermoscopy: Employ a handheld magnifying tool with specialized lighting to evaluate pigmented and non-pigmented lesions more accurately, helping differentiate benign growths from potentially malignant ones.
• Perform a biopsy: If a suspicious lesion is detected, a tissue sample may be taken for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of SCC and determine its type and severity.
• Order additional imaging tests: In select cases, imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to assess the depth of the lesion or check for spread to surrounding tissues.
• Conduct a lymph node biopsy if needed: For lesions suspected of being invasive, nearby lymph nodes may be sampled to check for metastatic spread.

By combining careful clinical evaluation with advanced diagnostic tools, squamous cell carcinoma screening maximizes the chances of effective treatment while minimizing unnecessary procedures.

TREATMENTS FOR SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Treatment depends on lesion type, size, location, and patient health. Options include:

• Cryotherapy: Freezes small lesions or precancerous growths with minimal downtime

• Excision: Removes the cancerous tissue with a margin of healthy skin

• Mohs Surgery: Precise layer-by-layer removal, preserving healthy tissue, ideal for high-risk areas

• Curettage and Electrosurgery: Scrapes and cauterizes small, low-risk lesions

• Radiation Therapy: Targets cancer cells when surgery is not possible or for high-risk lesions

• Laser or Photodynamic Therapy: Light-based treatments for superficial lesions

• Topical or Systemic Medications: Used for early-stage lesions or as adjunct therapy

PREVENTION AND AFTERCARE

• Use sunscreen daily to limit most sun exposure.

• Avoid tanning beds.

• Watch for skin changes and new skin growth.

• Schedule annual skin cancer screening exams.

• Work with your health care provider to manage treatment follow-ups.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF UNTREATED SCC

If ignored, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can progress beyond the skin and lead to serious health problems. Potential complications include:

Spread to Lymph Nodes and Distant Organs

Once invasive squamous cell carcinoma reaches deeper layers of the skin, cancer cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This may cause the disease to spread to nearby lymph nodes, lungs, or other organs, making treatment more complex and reducing survival rates.

Damage Surrounding Healthy Tissue and Basal Cells

Unchecked SCC can invade surrounding healthy tissue, including muscles, cartilage, and basal cells in the deeper skin layers. This invasion may create large wounds that are difficult to heal and may require extensive surgical removal of the affected tissue.

Cause Disfigurement of the Body or Functional Loss in Affected Tissue

If the skin cancer cells grow unchecked, they may cause visible skin changes, ulcerations, or loss of structural integrity in sensitive areas such as the nose, ears, lips, or eyelids. This may lead to permanent disfigurement or functional impairments, such as difficulty speaking, chewing, or seeing.

Increase Risk of Life-Threatening Disease

Although SCC is considered a low-risk cancer when treated early, advanced cases can become life-threatening. Once squamous cell carcinoma spreads beyond the skin and into vital organs, aggressive treatment options like radiation therapy or systemic therapies may be required, but the chances of cure are significantly lower.