Introduction to Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cancer is one of the biggest healthcare concerns today as the number of cancer cases have been increasing rapidly and seem to be able to strike every single part of the human body. Therefore, it is no wonder that our skin, the largest organ in the body, is a big target for cancer and that skin cancer is currently in the spotlight due to its high frequency. Squamous cell carcinoma, or more specifically known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma where cutaneous means relating to the skin, is the second most common form of skin cancer. The good news is that squamous cell carcinoma can be prevented and if detected early with prompt intervention leads to very good outcomes and survival rates. However, if left undetected and allowed to progress and spread, it can become life threatening. Therefore, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of this condition and this article serves to provide readers with important information on squamous cell carcinoma.
Risk factors of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Firstly, it is important to know the risk factors which predispose to squamous cell carcinoma in order to minimize the risk of developing this condition. The biggest risk factor is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation causes mutations to DNA, causing loss-of-function mutation of tumor suppressor genes which are genes that help to suppress tumor formation and hence prevent cancer. One such gene is the p53 gene which helps to repair any damaged DNA, stops the cell cycle to provide time for DNA repair and causes death of cells whose DNA are damaged beyond repair in order to prevent these abnormal cells from propagating. Therefore, loss of function of such genes remove the normal protective mechanism of our body against cancers and can lead to excessive, unregulated growth of abnormal cells in the outermost layer of the skin. This is especially significant in today’s context where beauty trends have led to people pursuing that sun-kissed look. Especially in the West, many achieve their tan by lying out in the sun or resorting to self-tanning products and indoor tanning. This leads to increased exposure to UV radiation and increased frequency of sunburns which can result in squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to note that UV radiation is not just limited to outdoor exposure of the sun as tanning beds also emit UV radiation. In fact, the use of tanning beds is associated with 2.5 times the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. Apart from those seeking to get a tan, people living in areas that receive higher levels of UV radiation are also at increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. Countries near the equator are generally exposed to higher levels of UV radiation and one such country is Singapore. Recently, UV radiation in Singapore hit extreme levels which means that more protection is required to prevent sunburns. Hence, it is important that Singaporeans take extra steps to prevent excessive exposure to UV radiation.
Patients who have a weakened immune system such as organ transplant recipients and HIV patients are also at higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. Research has shown that squamous cell carcinoma is 65-100 times more common in organ transplant recipients than the general population. Organ transplant recipients take immunosuppressive medications to suppress their immune system and prevent it from rejecting the transplanted organ. However, this also weakens their immune system’s ability to recognize and fight against tumors, increasing the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, these patients are more susceptible to infections such as by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which is said to link to squamous cell carcinoma as well.
Males and the elderly are also more at risk of suffering from squamous cell carcinoma. Statistics show that men are twice as likely to get squamous cell carcinoma than women and squamous cell carcinoma most commonly affects people above the age of 70. The older age group is more commonly affected as cancer is a multistep process and requires an accumulation of mutations. With age, more mutations can be accumulated and there is also more cumulative exposure to UV radiation. Furthermore, there is a decline in immunity with age causing a decrease in ability to fight against tumours. Other risk factors to squamous cell carcinoma also include exposure to ionizing radiation and chronic skin conditions where there is longstanding inflammation, infections, injury or ulcers.
Warning Signs to Take Note for Early Detection
Squamous cell carcinoma can be present in different forms. It can appear as scaly, red, crusty patches which may bleed, raised growths with a central depression, persistent open sores or wart like lesions. It can also develop from seemingly minor and harmless skin changes. If you detect any new moles, growths and spots, any changes in pre-existing moles and spots or any other skin changes which raise suspicion, it is of utmost importance that you consult a doctor. Doing so will allow for early detection of skin cancer if present and will greatly aid in your recovery.