Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in epithelial tissues. It may occur along the surfaces of a number of different organs, but is most familiar as a disease of the skin. In fact, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for about 20 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers and is most often attributed to chronic exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun.

Occurrence of the disease may also be associated with radiation treatments, scarring from burns, ulceration, adverse reactivity to vaccinations, and exposure to tar and mineral oil. Most cases arise from solar keratoses, scaly or warty lesions that typically form on the ears, hands, and other parts of the body frequently exposed to the sun, but can also be precluded by white patchy areas or the reddened scaly plaques characteristic of Bowen’s disease.

If caught early enough, squamous cell carcinoma is readily curable. In such cases, the cancer is usually removed through surgical excision. However, depending on the location and other characteristics of the cancer as well as the patient’s general health, a number of alternate treatments, such as radiation therapy, laser therapy, micrographic surgery, cryosurgery, or electrodessication and curettage, may be utilized instead. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can cause significant damage by invading surrounding tissues. Also, there is a risk that the cancer will metastasize to internal organs or other regions of the body, which greatly increases the incidence of serious health effects and even death.

Since the light of the sun is at its most intense level at mid-day, whenever possible individuals concerned about squamous cell carcinoma should avoid outdoor activities between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially if they are at increased risk for the disease. If outdoor activity is unavoidable at mid-day, wearing protective clothing, such as a broad-rimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants or skirt is generally advisable. Most medical professionals also recommend the regular use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. Sunscreens usually need to be applied at least a half-hour before exposure to the sun and may need to be periodically reapplied, especially when swimming or other physical activity is involved.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma at 20x Magnification - Approximately 200,000 inhabitants of the United States are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on an annual basis.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma at 4x Magnification - Minimizing exposure to the sun is generally regarded as the best means of lessening one’s chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma at 10x Magnification - Due to the considerable risk involved in not treating squamous cell carcinoma, any visible lesions that refuse to heal or repeatedly recur should be examined by a medical professional.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma at 40x Magnification - Individuals with fair skin that tends to burn rather than tan and light-colored eyes and hair are at greatest risk of developing skin cancer.