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Click hereCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of keratinocytic or non-melanoma skin cancer. It is derived from cells within the epidermis that make keratin — the horny protein that makes up skin, hair and nails.
Cutaneous SCC is an invasive disease, referring to cancer cells that have grown beyond the epidermis. SCC can sometimes metastasise (spread to distant tissues) and may prove fatal.
Risk factors for cutaneous SCC include:
Cutaneous SCCs present as enlarging scaly or crusted lumps. They usually arise within pre-existing actinic keratosis or intraepidermal carcinoma.
The following agents can be used to lighten epidermal melanosis, alone or, more effectively, in combination:
Diagnosis of cutaneous SCC is based on clinical features. The diagnosis and histological subtype is confirmed pathologically by diagnostic biopsy or following excision.
Patients with high-risk SCC may also undergo staging investigations to determine whether it has spread to lymph nodes or elsewhere. These may include:
Cutaneous SCC is nearly always treated surgically. Most cases are excised with a 3–10 mm margin of normal tissue around the visible tumour. A flap or skin graft may be needed to repair the defect.
This stage involves just 1-3 treatments 4-6 weeks apart. Treatments are quick and easy and makeup can be applied within an hour!
Numbing cream can be used prior to reduce discomfort.
Locally advanced primary, recurrent or metastatic SCC requires multidisciplinary consultation. Often a combination of treatments is used.
Courtesy of Derm Net NZ
Images British Skin Foundation