Squamous Cell Carcinoma Danielle Gentry 2 nd Hour

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma? Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. There are over 250,000 new cases per year in the U.S. alone. Most cases of SCC are not fatal. If discovered early, it can most likely be treated and cured.

What Causes SCC? SCC is caused from chronic over exposure to the sun. It can also occur where people have experienced an injury on their body such as scars, burns, exposure to chemicals, long standing sores, ect. Chronic skin inflammation or medical conditions that suppress the immune system for an extended time may influence the condition.

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma? Also, in rare cases, even if someone appears to have healthy skin, the condition can be inherited.

What Skin Layer Does It Affect? SCC affects the squamous cells that make up most of the upper layer of skin.

3 Facts About Squamous Cell Carcinoma The most common places for SCC to appear are on the face, neck, ears, and the back of hands. They begin in the upper layer of the epidermis. SCC tends to be more aggressive than Basal Cell Carcinomas.

Who Is at Risk? Anyone with a history of too much sun exposure can be at risk for Squamous Cell Carcinoma. People with fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, and grey eyes are at risk for SCC. Also anyone with previous skin cancer is at risk.

Who Is at Risk? People with weak immune systems and are overly exposed to the sun are also at a high risk for the disease. Illness such as HIV or AIDS can influence the disease.

What to Look For Tumors that are thick, rough and shallow. There will also be a raised border around the surface. Any bumps or open sores on the skin could be a sign of SCC. If any of these symptoms are present, one needs to see their doctor immediately.

How My View of the Disease Has Changed At first I did not care much about Squamous Cell Carcinoma but after reading how it affects people and seeing the pictures, I am much more interested. After looking at all the pictures of how this disease can affect someone, I am going to be much more aware of my sun exposure and try to prevent myself from getting SCC or any other kind of skin cancer.

Worst Case Scenario for SCC About 97 percent of SCC cases are on the skin, there is still a slight chance that they may spread to organs and become life threatening and even fatal.

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References 1. cfm?OutputSet=2&BO=AND&Diagnosis= x.php 4. info/skin-cancer-facts.php