Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

Malignancy of epidermal keratinocytes of the skin

Marjolins ulcer = squamous cell carcinoma in the area od chronically inflammed skin

Question 2

Aetiology:

Answer 2

Usually due to UV radiation

Skin exposure leads to actinic kertatosis (sun induced precancerous lesion that becomes SCC)

Or found on smoker’s lips or long standing ulcers

Question 3

Risk factors:

Answer 3

Main risk factor is UV radiation 
Radiation 
Carcinogens
Defects in DNA repair (xeroderma Pigmentosa)
Immunosupression 
HPV
Chronic skin disease

Question 4

Epidemiology:

Answer 4

2nd most common cause of cutaneous malignancy

Occurs mainly in the middle aged and the elderly

More common in light skinned

2x more likely in males

Question 5

Symptoms:

Answer 5

Skin lesion
ulcerated
recurrent bleeding
Non-healing

Question 6

Signs:

Answer 6

Variable appearance - ulcerated or hyperkeratotic (may have a keratin horn), crusted, scaly and non-healing

Often in sun exposed areas

Everted edges

Palpate for local lymphadenopathy

Question 7

Investigations:

Answer 7

Skin biopsy may be used to confirm the malignancy and specific type

FNA or lymph biopsy to check if there is metastasis

CT/MRI for staging