SKIN CANCER, SQUAMOUS CELL TYPE

SYMPTOMS

Skin cancer usually grows on skin exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, and limbs. However, it can likewise be found on areas such as the palms, groin and genitals.

Skin cancer may affect individuals of all skin tones, including those with darker skin color. When melanoma happens in individuals with brown complexion, it’s bound to happen in areas that are not exposed to the sun, for example, the palms of the hands and bottoms of the feet.

Squamous cell carcinoma may show up as:

• A firm, red lump
• Flat sore with a flaky, crusted surface

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose skin cancer, your physician may:

• Look at your skin.
• Get a sample of suspicious-looking skin for skin biopsy. A biopsy will show if you have skin cancer and, assuming this is the case, what types of skin disease you have.
• Know the extent of the skin cancer

If your physician knows that you have skin cancer, you may have more tests to diagnose the degree of the skin disease.

Since superficial skin tumors like basal cell carcinoma don’t usually spread, a biopsy that removes the whole lesion is the main test expected to know the cancer stage. IIf you have widespread squamous cell cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma or melanoma, your physician may suggest more tests.

More tests may be in the form of imaging tests to examine the lymph nodes for indications of cancer or a lymph node biopsy.

Doctors utilize the Roman numerals I through IV to show a cancer’s stage. Stage I tumors are small and restricted to the region where they started. Stage IV demonstrates malignant growth that has spread to different regions of the body.

The skin cancer stage figures out which treatment choices will be best.

TREATMENT

Your treatment choices for skin cancer and the skin conditions known as actinic keratosis will change, depending upon the size, type, profundity and area of the lesions. Smaller skin tumors restricted to the outside of the skin may not require treatment after a skin biopsy is done.

If extra treatment is required, choices may include:

Freezing. Your primary care physician may eliminate actinic keratoses and some little, early skin cancers by freezing them with liquid nitrogen.

Excisional surgery. This kind of treatment might be fitting for a skin cancer. Your physician removes the damaged tissue and an encompassing edge of healthy skin.

Mohs surgery. This surgery is for bigger, repeating or hard to-treat skin cancers, which may include both basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Other treatments include:

• Curettage and electrodesiccation or cryotherapy
• Radiation treatment
• Chemotherapy
• Photodynamic treatment
• Biological therapy