Squamous Cell Carcinoma Flashcards
Define Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Malignancy of epidermal keratinocytes of the skin
What is Marjolin’s Ulcer?
It is a squamous cell carcinoma that arises in an area of chronically inflamed skin
What is the main risk factor for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
UV radiation
Sun exposure can lead to actinic keratosis (sun-induced precancerous lesion)
What are the other risk factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Radiation
Carcinogens (e.g. tar derivatives, cigarette smoke)
Chronic Skin Disease (e.g. lupus)
HPV
Long-term immunosuppression
Defects in DNA repair (xeroderma pigmentosum)
What is the epidemiology of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Second most common cutaenous malignancy (20% of all skin cancers)
Occurs mainly in Middle-Aged and Elderly People
Light-Skinned individuals are at higher risk
2-3x more common in MALES
What are the presenting symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Skin Lesion
Ulcerated
Recurrent Bleeding
Non-Healing
What are the signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma on physical examination?
Variable appearance - may be ulcerated, hyperkeratotic, crusted or scaly, non-healing
Often on sun-exposed areas
Palpate for local lymphadenopathy
What investigations would you do for Squamous Cell Carcinoma and why?
Skin Biopsy - confirm malignancy and specific type
Fine-needle aspiration or lymph node biopsy - if metastasis is suspected
Staging - Using CT, MRI or PET