Squamous cell carcinoma

Question 1

What is squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?

Answer 1

Locally invasive malignant tumour of epidermal keratinocytes

Question 2

What cells are affected by squamous cell carcinoma?

Answer 2

Epidermal keratinocytes

Question 3

Is SCC malignant?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

Is squamous cell carinoma invasive?

Answer 4

It can be

Question 5

What are the main risk factors of SCC?

Answer 5

excessive exposure to sunlight / psoralen UVA therapy
actinic keratoses and Bowen’s disease
immunosuppression e.g. following renal transplant, HIV
smoking
long-standing leg ulcers (Marjolin’s ulcer)
genetic conditions

Question 6

How do the lesions of SCC typically present?

Answer 6

Irregular, ill-defined red nodule with scale and ulceration

Question 7

Where on the body is usually affected by SCC?

Answer 7

Sun exposed areas-head and neck or dorsum of the hands and arms

Question 8

What is the main cause of SCC?

Answer 8

DNA mutations following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light

Question 9

What is the management of SCC if lesion is <20mm?

Answer 9

Surgical excision with 4mm margins if lesion <20mm

Question 10

What is the management of SCC if lesion is >20mm?

Answer 10

Surgical excision with 6mm margins if lesion is >20mm

Question 11

What would suggest a good prognosis in someone with SCC?

Answer 11

Well differentiated tumours
<20mm diameter
<2mm deep
No associated diseases

Question 12

What would suggest a poor prognosis in someone with SCC?

Answer 12

Poorly differentiated tumours
>20mm in diameter
>4mm deep
Immunosupression for whatever reason