squamous cell carcinoma

Question 1

Define squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 1

squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a proliferation of atypical keratinocytes of the skin with malignant behaviour
in situ is called Bowen’s disease
precurors-actinic keratosis

Question 2

Aetiology and risk factors of squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 2

cancer aetiology style
UVB damages the DNA of keratinocytes-
But with link to sun exposure and fair skin
Also ionising radiation, burns,

can all be in situ, invasive, metastatic

Types:
keratoacanthoma-producing keratin-less likely to metastases
Verrucous carcinoma-agressive
marjolin-ulcerating

Risk factors:
Age >40
Men>women
Immunosupressed-HIV, transplant etc
PMH of skin cancer
Sun exposure
fair skin
Ionising radiation
Burns
UV therapy

Question 3

Epidiemology of squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 3

Non-melanoma skin cancer-Most common form of skin cancer-
SCC is 2nd most common non-melanoma skin cancer

about 77 in 100 000 in UK
rises closer to equator

Question 4

Signs and Sx of squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 4

Keratoanchantoma-
Fast growing, dome shaped with hard (keratin) exterior-can look like keratin horn if left long
Marjolin-ulcer in areas of previous traumatised/inflammed skin
Vericous-exophytous, fungating, verrocus plaques

SCC tend to be friable and bleed easily

Lymphadenopathy after metastasis-check for

Question 5

Investigations of SCC

Answer 5

Biopsy-full thickness if ideal
But punch out, excisional can do

precursor-acanthotic keratosis-mild involvment of dermis
Bowens-full dermis growing
Invasive-past BM
metastatic-

Imaging for invasion