Personal Injury And Medical Malpractice Attorneys

What should I know about cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma?

On Behalf of | Aug 1, 2024 | Cancer |

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common type of skin cancer found in the skin’s upper layers (epidermis). Recognized as the second most common form of skin cancer, it is most often the result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds. This blog explores how medical practitioners diagnose cSCC, its potential aggressiveness, recent research developments, and current treatment options.

Diagnosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Diagnosis of cSCC typically involves a combination of clinical examination and diagnostic tests:

  • Clinical examination: Dermatologists examine the skin thoroughly, looking for patches, nodules, or lesions that have a rough, scaly texture and might bleed easily.
  • Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy, where a small section of the suspicious lesion is removed and examined microscopically for cancerous cells.

While most cases of cSCC are treatable and have a good prognosis, a small subset can exhibit highly aggressive behavior. These aggressive cSCCs are more likely to invade deeper layers of skin, spread to other parts of the body, and become difficult to treat. Factors contributing to this aggressiveness include the location and size of the tumor;  tumors on lips or ears or those that are large in size tend to have a higher risk of aggressive behavior. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients or those with lymphoma, are at a higher risk of developing aggressive cSCC.

Treatment options for cSCC

Treatment for cSCC depends on the stage of the cancer, its location, and the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options include:

  • Excision: Removing the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are eliminated.
  • Mohs surgery: A procedure where a medical professional removes thin layers of cancer-containing tissue until only cancer-free skin remains. This can help to keep as much healthy tissue as possible, especially important in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face.
  • Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the cancer cells with liquid nitrogen, used primarily for smaller or superficial cancers.
  • Topical treatments: Medications applied directly to the skin, useful for very early stages of cSCC or for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
  • Radiation therapy: Often used for tumors that are difficult to treat surgically, radiation can destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth.
  • Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: These options are particularly valuable for advanced or aggressive cases that do not respond well to conventional treatments. These newer treatments focus on specific molecular targets associated with cSCC or harness the power of the immune system to fight the cancer.

Recent studies in cSCC focus on understanding the genetic mutations that lead to the development and progression of this cancer. Advances in molecular biology and genetics provide insights that help in developing targeted therapies. Researchers are also exploring standardized reporting measures to gather more data as well as the role of the immune system in controlling or promoting cSCC, which may lead to new immunotherapeutic approaches.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, while generally treatable, can pose significant risks if left undiagnosed and it becomes aggressive. Early detection through regular skin checks and prompt, appropriate treatment are crucial for managing this skin cancer effectively. With ongoing research and advancements in treatment options, the outlook for managing even the more severe forms of cSCC continues to improve, offering hope to those affected by this condition.