Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor that affects the middle layer of the skin. It is caused by overexposure to sunlight and other risk factors like older age and genetic predisposition. Symptoms include a skin lesion or growth that may be red, firm, and scaly or crusted, usually located on sun-exposed areas. Diagnosis is made via biopsy and examination. Treatment depends on tumor size and spread, and may include surgical removal, Mohs surgery, skin grafting, radiation, or chemotherapy. Prevention involves minimizing sun exposure and regularly examining the skin.
3. Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Any change in an existing wart (kutil) , mole (tai lalat) or other
skin lesion, or the development of a new growth that ulcerates
and does not heal well,
a high cure rate if it is treated early, but neglect can allow the
cancer to spread, causing disability or death.
exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. This is
considered the primary cause of all skin cancers.
older age,
genetic predisposition (skin cancers are more common in those
who have light-colored skin, blue or green eyes, and blond or red
hair),
chemical pollution
overexposure to x-rays or other forms of radiation.
arsenic, which may be present in some herbicides,
4. malignant tumor. It is more aggressive than basal cell cancer, but
still may be relatively slow-growing.
More to spread (metastasize) to other locations, including
internal organs.
changes to the cells of the middle portion of the epidermal skin
layer.
painless initially, but may become painful with the development
of ulcers that do not heal.
begin in normal skin -- in the skin of a burn, injury, or scar -- or
at a site of chronic inflammation (which may occur with many
skin disorders). It most often originates from sun-damaged skin
areas, such as actinic keratosis.
after age 50.
5. Symptoms
Skin lesion, growth, or bump
Small
Firm (keras)
Reddened
Nodule or flat growth
Growth may be cone-shaped
Surface may be scaly (bersisik) or crusted (tebal)
Usually located on the face, ears, neck, hands, arms
May occur on the lip, mouth, tongue, genitals or other areas
6. Siqn & Test
. A biopsy and examination of the lesion
confirms the diagnosis.
7. Treatment
Depend on
tumor's size,
depth,
location and
how much it has spread (metastasis).
Surgical removal of the tumor,
removal of the skin around the tumor (wide excision), is often
recommended.
Microscopic shaving (Mohs' surgery) may remove small tumors.
Skin grafting may be needed if wide areas of skin are removed.
The tumor may be reduced in size by radiation treatments.
Chemotherapy can be used if surgery and radiation fail, but it is
usually minimally effective.
8. Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
cured if removed promptly.
New tumors may develop, so affected individuals
should be diligent about examining the skin.
Complications Return to top
Local spread of the tumor
Metastasis to other locations, including the internal
organs
9. Prevention
Minimize sun exposure. Protect skin from the sun by wearing protective
clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts or pants. Sunlight is most
intense at mid-day, so try to avoid exposure during these hours. Use high-
quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at
least 15. Apply the sunscreen at least a half hour before exposure and re-
apply frequently. Use a sunscreen throughout the year, even for winter sun
exposure.
Examine the skin regularly for development of suspicious growths or changes
in an existing skin lesion. A new growth that ulcerates or is slow to heal is
suspicious.
Suspicious changes in an existing growth includes a change in color, size,
texture, and appearance, or development of pain, inflammation, bleeding, or
itching.
A lesion that is asymmetrical, has irregular or diffuse borders, has multiple
colors mixed in one lesion, or is larger than 6 mm (millimeters) diameter is
suspicious.