This may need a general anaesthetic.
The two most common types (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) are highly curable, but the third (melanoma) is more dangerous. In the UK, it is the second most common skin cancer with … Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a malignant tumour, which is locally invasive and also has the potential to metastasise to other organs of the body.
Nearly 5 million Americans are treated for the disease each year, and the incidence rate is up 300 percent from 1994.
Patient Platform Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. The initial suspicion is based on the way a BCC or an SCC looks.
Over 7 in 10 cases occur in people over the age of 60.
The size of this BCC makes surgery more difficult. The main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Skin cancer diagnoses vary widely. They are rare in children. They don't spread to other parts of the body. The information in this section is meant to help you cope with the many issues and concerns that occur when you have cancer. It may grow into a lump which may look like a wart. You can see how it isn't very noticeable and many people ignore small BCCs before seeing a doctor.This photos shows a basal cell carcinoma in the same place, just under and to the left of the nose, but in a much more advanced state. For example, a BCC on the face may erode and damage the nose or an ear.This photo shows a small BCC just below and to the left of a man's nose.
Depending on the site, size and depth of the tumour, one of the following treatments may be used:If the skin cancer is larger then a more extensive operation may be required.
Skin-cancer rates have been on the rise for 30 years, despite decades of lectures about sunscreen. If the skin lump is small, the whole lump may be removed and then looked at under the microscope (an excisional biopsy). Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are not likely to spread and may require little more than minor surgery or topical treatment.
Image source: Open-i (S Chung) - see Further reading reference belowAn SCC typically develops on the face - most commonly on or around the ears or lips. Some dermatologists use a dermatoscope, a handheld microscope, to help with the diagnosis.A small sample (biopsy) of tissue can be taken from a suspicious lump on the skin. But, again, any area of skin can be affected.
(BCC is the most common type of cancer of all.) But you still need to take ste...A cancerous tumour starts from one abnormal cell. This may diagnose and cure the problem at the same time.No further tests are usually needed for a BCC or an SCC which is diagnosed when it is small. In common with other types of skin cancer the incidence is rising. You can opt out at any time or find out more by reading our Who gets basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?What causes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin?Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma symptomsHow is basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed?What is the treatment for basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin? If a doctor suspects that there has been some spread from an SCC to other parts of the body then further tests such as X-rays, blood tests or scans may be advised.Most cases are diagnosed when the skin cancer is still quite small.
Over 60,000 people in the UK develop a BCC or SCC each year. SCC occurs mostly in people over 50. The main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Patient is a UK registered trade mark.By using this site you agree to our use of cookies. Avoiding the sun at its peak in midday, using sun cream, avoiding getting sunburnt and never using tanning booths can all help.For SCCs, general sun protection advice is a good idea, but trying to prevent SCCs probably depends more on a generally healthy lifestyle: no smoking, and drinking in moderation. Melanoma is much less common than the other types but much more likely to invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA.
Dark-skinned people rarely develop BCC or SCC, as they have more protective melanin in their skin.Someone who works outside a lot, like a gardener, is at risk of getting a BCC in later life; or someone with pale skin who has lived in a very sunny part of the world, like Africa.SCCs can also be brought on by too much sun exposure, but they are also caused by other things like smoking, excessive alcohol or being on Other factors which increase the risk of developing an SCC or BCC include the following:Always see your doctor if you develop an abnormal lump or patch of skin which does not go away within a few weeks.A BCC typically develops on a sun-exposed area of the skin such as the scalp or face.