Squamous cell carcinoma

This type of cancer mainly occurs in people over 40 years of age. The most common cause is being in the sun often and for a long time. Therefore, squamous cell carcinoma mainly occurs in skin areas that receive a lot of sunlight. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs mainly in men, usually on the head. In women, it is more common on the legs. Drugs that suppress the immune system can also increase the risk of this cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma often starts as a small, red lump or ulcer that doesn't heal properly. Without treatment, the cancer can grow and spread to other parts of the body. Before you get a squamous cell carcinoma, you may suffer from keratinization of the skin. Then the skin becomes thicker and harder. This is called an actinic keratosis and is caused by skin damage from the sun. Such a spot can develop into a squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor itself is usually a growing wart-like lump that grows slowly. It usually doesn't itch, but it can hurt.

We distinguish between the different stages of squamous cell carcinomas. In the preliminary stage, we speak of Morbus Bowen. Then the restless cells are only in the top layer of the skin. Early-stage squamous cell carcinoma is only in the area where it started. The cancer has not yet metastasized. Advanced squamous cell carcinoma has spread beyond the area where it started. The tumor can then affect surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.

A squamous cell carcinoma is usually on the skin. It can also occur in the lining of the mouth, nose or throat. The most common form starts as damage to the skin. This is often a small, red lump or sore that does not heal properly. This is treated in our NKI Head and Neck Cancer Center.