Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Risk Factors and Symptoms
Some people feel their best when they have a tan. However, that golden glow can come at a cost.
“You might feel like being tan makes you look healthier, but did you know using tanning beds increases your chance of a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma by 58%?” says Shawn Demehri, MD, PhD, citing the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Demehri is a dermatologist, a principal investigator at the Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research at Mass General Cancer Center, and director of the High Risk Skin Cancer Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital.
In this article, Dr. Demehri explains squamous cell carcinoma risk factors, symptoms, and tips on how to prevent it.
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
An estimated 1.8 million people are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma each year, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. It’s the second most common type of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma affects the squamous cells, which are found in the top layer of the skin (known as the epidermis). It’s most often caused by exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun and in tanning beds. UV rays are a type of radiation that can damage cell DNA and cause cancer.
In most cases, squamous cell carcinoma can be successfully removed and treated. The earlier the cancer is caught, the better the odds treatment will be successful. As Dr. Demehri explains, “This cancer usually grows slowly, but it can eventually grow deep into the skin and spread to lymph nodes and nearby tissue and bones.”
Risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, including:
Fair skin that burns, freckles, or is painful under the sun
Exposure to UVA and UVB rays from the sun or tanning beds
A family history or personal history of skin cancer
A diagnosis of HPV, or human papillomavirus
Older age
Squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma is most common on the face, scalp, and hands, but it can show up anywhere on your skin. Some of the first signs may include:
Sensation of itchiness, tenderness, or pain on the skin
Small, inflamed bumps on your skin. They may also look flat, rough, or scaly. On lighter skin, they may appear red. On darker skin, they may appear red, purple, or dark brown.
A sore that doesn’t heal
A sore inside your mouth, or on your genitals or anus, if you’ve had HPV
A growth resembling a wart
“Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is easy to mistake for an age spot or acne. If you have a sore or scab that won’t heal for a month or two, you should talk to your primary care provider (PCP) or dermatologist,” affirms Dr. Demehri. “The sooner we find skin cancer, the easier it is for us to treat and remove it.”
Squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis
To diagnose squamous cell carcinoma, your doctor may perform the following:
A physical exam: Your doctor examines the skin on your face and body and notes any concerning moles or growths.
Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM): Your doctor examines areas of the skin with this non-invasive imaging technique.
Dermoscopy: Your doctor looks at the skin closely with a special microscope.
Skin biopsy: Your doctor removes a small piece of skin and sends it to the lab for further testing.
“We look at your skin and examine your entire body to look for any signs of suspicious spots,” says Dr. Demehri. “If we think you might have cancer, we may do a skin biopsy. During this office procedure, we’ll remove a tiny bit of skin and examine it in our lab. We may also use this procedure to remove the entire growth.”
Depending on your risk factors, your care team may recommend an annual skin screening. It’s also a good idea to check your skin each month for any concerning changes, says Dr. Demehri.
How can you prevent squamous cell carcinoma?
