Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

What is Squamous Cell Skin Cancer?

Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer seen in New Zealand. Squamous Cell Skin Cancer occurs predominantly on sun exposed areas, especially the face. Squamous Cell Skin Cancer is a result of ultraviolet damage to the squamous cells of the skin.

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer is an invasive form of skin cancer and in rare cases can metastasise (spread to other sites in the body). The majority of the cases are diagnosed at an early stage and are easily treated.

Squamous cell skin cancer occurs particularly in elderly people who have had a lot of sun. The cumulative ultraviolet exposure, particularly in people with fair skin types, causes damage to the DNA, which in turn can cause squamous cell skin cancer. People with long term recreational or work exposure to ultraviolet light are particularly at risk.

On rare occasions it can also occur with inherited syndromes and conditions that suppress the immune system. It is particularly a problem in patients who have had organ transplants or are on immune suppressing drugs.

Typically squamous cell carcinoma presents as an enlarging or changing area on the skin. Often this has a scaly raised top and typically can ulcerate or bleed. These occur in sun exposed areas and grow rapidly over a period of months, causing pain. High risk areas include ears, lips, and central face.

Any growing lump on the skin, particularly if it is painful or ulcerating, needs to be checked to exclude cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. If there is any doubt, the area should be biopsied or removed to be checked.

At Wellington Dermatology we are specialised in diagnosing and removing squamous cell skin cancers, so if you are worried please get in touch as soon as possible.

  • squamous cell skin cancer
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Skin Checks

Regular skin checks are an important part in the early diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in high risk patients.

Treatment of cutaneous squamous cell skin cancer

Most forms of cutaneous squamous cell skin cancers are low risk and easily treated. Sometimes cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma do require more aggressive therapy as there is a risk of tumour recurrence or metastasis (spread). High risk factors include organ transplant patients, tumours that are large or occurring in high risk locations (for example the ear and lip) and those skin cancers with an aggressive histological pattern on biopsy.

1. Low risk patients – Non surgical treatments

  • Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
  • Curette removal under local anaesthetic
  • Topical treatment with Imiquimod or 5-Fluoroeuracil
  • PDT
  • Surgical
  • Simple surgical excision

2. High risk tumours – the main treatment for these is surgical removal under local anaesthetic normally.

  • Complex surgical removal
  • Moh’s micrographic surgery
  • Radiotherapy

3. Follow up with regular skin checks

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer in Summary

Squamous cell carcinoma is a more aggressive form of skin cancer. It has a low risk of metastasis (spread) and the majority of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is detected early and treated without further problems. It is important to monitor patients at risk for squamous cell skin cancers and any suspicious lesions should be removed and checked.

At Wellington Dermatology we are experts in the diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma. Make an appointment with us now.

Make an appointment today!