Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that originates in the middle and outer layers of the skin as a result of chronic UV exposure. SCC is most likely to develop on the back of hands, face, neck, lips, and scalp, all of which are frequently exposed to sunlight.

Squamous cell carcinoma is mostly found in the skin area exposed to the sun. This includes areas such as your ears, lips and even scalp. However, in rare cases, you can find cancer in areas such as the bottom of your feet and inside your mouth.

Common signs of SCC include:

• Firm Red nodule
• Flat crusty sore
• Raised sore on the old site
• Scaly patch on the top of your lip
• Rough patch on the inside of your mouth
• Wartlike sores on the genitals or anus

What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is caused by ultraviolet radiation, which in turn causes DNA mutations.

• Light Skin
  If you have fair skin, then that increases your chances of getting squamous cell carcinoma. These people burn easily and get freckles.
• Sun Exposure
  Spending much time in the sun can expose you to UV radiation, increasing your cancer chances.
• Tanning Beds
  Tanning beds use UV rays, which can be very harmful to your skin and cause the cells in your skin to mutate.
• Personal History
  If you have had cancer in the past or people in your family have had skin cancer, that can have a bad impact on you. You may be more susceptible to cancer.
• Weakness of the Immune System
  People who take immunosuppressants have a weak immune system that is more prone to disease. That can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
• Rare Genetic Disorders
  If you have xeroderma pigmentosum, then it is likely for you to develop skin cancer.

How To Prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

There are multiple ways to prevent squamous cell carcinoma. Here are some suggestions you must keep in mind when trying to prevent squamous cell carcinoma.

• Avoid sun exposure
  If not necessary, do not go out in the sun. The sun is at its prime during the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, so you can avoid going out during those hours. The same goes for winter months or if the sky is cloudy.
• Use sun protection
  It is very important for you to wear sunscreen every day. Make sure you go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply it every few hours.
• Don't use a tanning bed.
  Tanning beds have UV rays, and that can be very dangerous for your skin. Therefore it is best to skip tanning beds altogether so you do not put your health at risk for aesthetic purposes.
• Check your skin
  You must examine your skin every now and then to look for any abnormalities. As soon as you spot abnormalities, you need to contact a doctor so you can get the treatment as soon as possible.

What Are Treatment Options?

• Curettage and electrodessication
• Laser Therapy
• Freezing
• Photodynamic therapy
• Mohs Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Simple excision
• Targeted drug therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Chemotherapy

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