Talking about cancer can be a tricky topic to discuss openly. This might be because most cancers are untreatable, and even if it does not result in death, they will most likely remain with you for the remainder of your natural life. The stigmatization of having cancer and dealing with regular treatments can prove challenging for the rest of your life. The adverse side effects of cancer treatment are also a stumbling block as you try to live out the remainder of your life. Continue going through the article below to learn more information about Chevy Chase Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a typical skin cancer type that affects the squamous cells found in your skin’s outer or middle layers. This cancer is quite aggressive but is not life-threatening. If left untreated, this skin cancer type may grow exponentially or spread to various parts of your body, resulting in serious complications.
This cancer type may be found in any part of the body that contains squamous cells.
Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The main body parts affected by this cancer are areas exposed to the sun, like the back of your hands, lips, ears, and scalp. Other areas of your body that may get this condition are your genitals, the bottom of your feet, and inside your mouth.
Some typical symptoms and signs of this condition are as follows:
- A flat sore with a scaly crust
- A firm, red module
- A raised area on an ulcer or old scar or a new sore
- Rough patch or red sore inside your mouth
- A rough, scaly patch on your lip becomes an open sore
- A red raised patch or wartlike sore on your genitals or in the anus
Causes
Squamous cell carcinoma of your skin happens when the thin, flat squamous cells in your skin’s outer and middle layers mutate their DNAs. Since a cell’s DNA has instructional information, mutations tell these cells to grow uncontrollably and continue living when other cells would have died.
Since this skin cancer type affects areas on the skin not exposed to sunlight, other factors contribute to the development of the condition.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves a physical exam combined with the removal of a tissue sample to be tested.
The type of treatment performed depends on the tumor’s location, size, and aggressiveness. Treatments for small skin cancers involve:
- Laser therapy
- Curettage and electrodessication
- Photodynamic therapy
- Freezing
Treatment for larger skin cancers involves:
- Mohs surgery
- Simple excision
- Radiation therapy
Treatment for skin cancer spreading beyond the skin involves:
- Targeted drug therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from tanning beds, lamps, or sunlight is the leading cause of squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore avoiding exposure to UV light significantly reduces your likelihood of getting squamous cell carcinoma and other cancers. If you suspect you may have the ailment mentioned above, go through our website or visit our offices in Chevy Chase, MD, to book a consultation.
