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Treating Squamous Cell Carcinoma |
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We've all heard about the dangers of skin cancer. We know that excessive exposure to the sun, even one severe sunburn, can lead to diagnosis of this devastating disease. What you may not know, however, is that there are actually three main types of skin cancer.
Most people don't realize that skin cancer can fall within different categories. Malignant melanoma, the most well known form of skin cancer, is the deadliest. Basal cell carcinoma is another form of skin cancer that is usually presented deep in the skin surrounding the eyes and nose. The third type of skin cancer is call squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin cancer related directly to sun exposure. The disease initially presents as small, firm, painless lump, usually occurring on the ear, lip or back of the hand. In the United States alone, more than 200,000 new patients are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma every year. The disease spreads rapidly and typically breaks down, forming a crater in the center of the affected area. Medical doctors refer to this depresessed area as an 'ulceration'.
This form of skin cancer is particularly sinister in its tendency to spread to the lymph nodes. From there, it is able to attack the rest of the body. Spreading cancer cells via the lymphatic network can have devastating effects on your body, so if you every notice a new growth anywhere on your body, be sure to seek medical attention right away. A growth on the lip should be treated as very suspicious.
Of all non-malignant melanoma skin cancer diagnoses, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for about twenty percent, while basal cell carcinoma affects the other eighty percent of patients. These numbers indicate your chance of developing this type of cancer. If you ski or smoke, you face an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma is usually diagnosed using a surgical biopsy. To perform this procedure, doctors take a sample of tissue from the growth. The sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it will be examined under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells. If squamous cell carcinoma is suspected, it's essential that you have the growth surgically removed immediately. These types of tumors can spread very quickly, with potentially deadly results. As with most types of cancer, the key to surviving squamous cell carcinoma is through early detection and treatment.
Proper skin care is required to curb the danger of acquiring squamous cell carcinoma. It's imperative to use sunscreen with a high SPF , or sun protection factor. Cover all exposed skin with clothing, and protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat. Sunglasses should also be worn, as even the eyes can be harmed by skin cancer.
The dangers of skin cancer are even greater for infants and children. They have thinner, more sensitive skin, and can burn very easily. It's estimated that half of all skin damage occurs before people reach the age of 18, although the actual effects may not surface until decades later. Protect your children today and reduce their chances of suffering skin cancer in the future.
Before you hit the beach or the ski slopes, grab your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Stay protected and stay safe. Your life depends on it.
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