Whenever you arrange a day at the shore or a stroll in the woods, remembering to bring sunscreen might not be among your top priorities. However, your skin’s health should be a top focus in helping prevent cancer. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer, affecting one out of every five Americans before they turn 70 years old, as per the Skin Cancer Foundation. Even more surprising is that every hour, over two persons in the United States die of skin cancer. Learn how to avoid this condition and identify the warning signs by arranging a consultation with a Chevy Chase squamous cell carcinoma specialist today.
What Are the Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Anybody is in danger of skin cancer. Thus, experts advise using sunscreen and shielding your skin when enjoying sun exposure.
The primary risk factor for acquiring this form of cancer is extended sunlight exposure. Other risk factors that may enhance your likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma include:
- Utilizing tanning beds
- Having had skin cancer before
- Suffering one or more fierce sunburns as a toddler or adolescent
- Record of sunburns for adults
- Presence of precancerous lesions on the skin
- Having a compromised immunity
- Having a light complexion or fair skin
- Having xeroderma pigmentosum, a genetic disorder that impairs your body’s capacity to correct damage caused by UV rays to your skin
What Are the Common Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinomas present on the skin as rough or scaly patches. They are normally not itchy, but if you scrape them, they could bleed.
Squamous cell cancer is frequently mistaken for warts. Sometimes, it may appear as open wounds with dry surfaces.
Squamous cell carcinomas can appear crimson or flesh-colored.
How to Diagnose Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
The first step in diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma is for the physician to review your whole health history. They will inquire concerning your lifestyle, including queries on your health.
Your physician will examine your skin for evidence of squamous cell carcinoma and conduct a physical examination. If you have abnormal-looking skin patches, they could obtain a test sample. This test is known as a biopsy; its outcomes will reveal whether the cells are squamous cell carcinoma or another skin concern.
Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Ali Hendi, MD, provides professional Mohs surgery to address squamous cell carcinoma. This procedure has the best success rate for completely eliminating squamous cell carcinoma.
Around the tumor, your surgeon eliminates the squamous cell carcinoma ring by ring or layer by layer. After removing a layer, it is promptly checked for any lingering cancer cells along the edges.
If cancerous cells are still detected, another ring or layer is eliminated. This procedure is repeated till the sample appears to be clean. Only a small quantity of tissue is eliminated using this method; thus, it is particularly successful for eliminating developments on the lips.
Do not allow squamous cell carcinoma to take a toll on your appearance and overall life quality. For expert diagnosis and care, contact the office of Ali Hendi, MD, through mobile or book online right away.
