Squamous cell carcinoma

Question 1

Define squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 1

Malignancy of epidermal keratinocytes of the skin

Question 2

Define Marjolin’s ulcer

Answer 2

squamous cell carcinoma that arise in an area of chronically inflamed skin

Question 3

Aetiology of squamous cell carcinoma

main risk factors + aetiology

Answer 3

Main risk factor = UV RADIATION

Sun exposure can lead to actinic keratosis (precancerous lesion)

Question 4

Other risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma

6

Answer 4

radiation
carcinogens (e.g. tar derivatives, cigarette smoke)
chronic skin disease (e.g. lupus)
HPV
long term immunosuppression
defects in DNA repair (xeroderma pigmentosum)

Question 5

Epidemiology of squamous cell carcinoma

prevalence, age, group, gender

Answer 5

2nd most common cutaneous malignancy (20% of all skin cancers)
Occur mainly in middle aged & elderly
Light skinned individuals ate higher risk
2-3x more common in MALES

Question 6

Presenting symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma

4

Answer 6

Skin lesion
Ulcerated
Recurrent bleeding
Non-healing

Question 7

Signs of squamous cell carcinoma on physical examination

3

Answer 7

Variable appearance - may be ulcerated, hyperkeratotic, crusted or scaly, non-healing
Often on sun exposed areas
Palpate for local lymphadenopathy

Question 8

Investigations for squamous cell carcinoma

3 types

Answer 8

Skin biopsy
Fine needle aspiration or lymph node biopsy
Staging

Question 9

Investigations for squamous cell carcinoma - skin biopsy

Answer 9

Confirm malignancy & specific type

Question 10

Investigations for squamous cell carcinoma - FNA or lymph node biopsy

Answer 10

If metastasis suspected

Question 11

Investigations for squamous cell carcinoma - staging

Answer 11

Using CT, MRI, PET