Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common types of skin cancer. They start in the top layer of skin (epidermis) and are often found in areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and arms.

 

Basal cell carcinoma starts in the basal cells, which are found in the deepest layer of the epidermis. It typically appears as a flesh-colored, pearly bump that may bleed easily, or as a pink or red patch of skin that may be scaly or crusty. BCC is usually slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can be disfiguring if left untreated.

 

Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells, which are found in the upper layers of the epidermis. It often appears as a rough, scaly patch or raised bump that may have a crusted surface. SCC can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, but this is rare in the early stages of the disease.

 

Both BCC and SCC are usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds and are more common in fair-skinned people. They are highly treatable if detected and treated early, but can be more difficult to treat if they have spread or grown deeper into the skin. It is important to protect your skin from the sun and to perform regular skin checks to detect any changes or new growths.

Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of both basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. However, other factors may increase the risk of developing these types of skin cancer, including –

1. Fair skin – People with fair skin, especially those with blond or red hair and blue or green eyes, have less melanin in their skin to protect them from UV radiation.
2. Age – BCC and SCC are more common in older adults, although they can occur at any age.
3. Previous skin cancer – If you have had one BCC or SCC, you are at an increased risk of developing another.
4. Family history – If someone in your family has had skin cancer, you may be at a higher risk.
5. Weakened immune system – People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had an organ transplant or who are living with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
6. Exposure to certain chemicals – Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic and coal tar, can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
7. Chronic skin inflammation – People with chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis or long-term skin ulcers, may have an increased risk of developing SCC.

It is necessary to protect your skin from the sun and avoid tanning beds to lower your risk of developing BCC and SCC. You should also perform regular skin checks and see a dermatologist if you notice any new or unusual growths on your skin.

Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can have similar symptoms, but there are some differences. Here are some common symptoms of each –

Symptoms of Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

1. A shiny, pearly, or waxy bump on the skin, often with visible blood vessels.
2. A flesh-colored, brown, or black lesion on the skin, often with raised edges and a central depression.
3. A flat, scaly, or slightly raised lesion that may have a crusty surface.
4. A white or yellow waxy area on the skin that may resemble a scar.
5. A sore that does not heal, or a recurrent sore in the same area.

Symptoms of Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

1. A firm, red nodule on the skin that may feel scaly or crusty.
2. A flat, scaly lesion with a crusty surface that may bleed easily.
3. A sore that does not heal, or a recurrent sore in the same area.
4. A wart-like growth on the skin, often with a central depression.
5. A rough or scaly patch on the skin may have raised edges.

All skin cancers cause symptoms, and some may be difficult to distinguish from benign skin growths. That’s why it’s important to perform regular skin checks and see a dermatologist if you notice any new or unusual growths on your skin. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can lead to a better outcome.

Diagnosis and Tests

The diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) typically involves a combination of a physical examination and one or more diagnostic tests. Here are some common diagnostic tests that may be used –

1. Skin biopsy – A skin biopsy involves removing a small piece of the affected skin and examining it under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous.
2. Mohs surgery – This is a specialized surgical technique used to remove skin cancer, particularly BCC and SCC, by removing thin layers of skin one at a time and examining them under a microscope until all of the cancer cells are removed.
3. Dermoscopy – This is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a special microscope to examine the skin for signs of cancer.
4. Imaging tests – Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, may be used to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, particularly in cases of advanced SCC.

It’s important to see a dermatologist for regular skin checks and to report any new or unusual growths on your skin. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can lead to a better outcome.

Treatments

Treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) typically involves the removal of the cancerous cells. The choice of treatment will depend on the size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Here are some common treatments –

1. Surgery -This is the most common treatment for BCC and SCC. The cancerous cells are removed with a scalpel or other surgical instrument. In some cases, a skin graft may be necessary to cover the area where the cancer was removed.
2. Mohs surgery – This is a specialized surgical technique used to remove skin cancer, particularly BCC and SCC, by removing thin layers of skin one at a time and examining them under a microscope until all of the cancer cells are removed.
3. Cryosurgery – This involves freezing the cancerous cells with liquid nitrogen.
4. Excisional Surgery – It involves the removal of tumors and surrounding healthy tissue to stop the spread of cancer cells.

5. Curettage and electrodesiccation – It uses a sharp-edge instrument to remove tumors. The area is treated with an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells. 

6. Radiation therapy – This uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
7. Topical medications – Certain creams or gels, such as imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil, may be applied directly to the skin to kill cancer cells.
8. Photodynamic therapy – This involves applying a special light-sensitive solution to the skin and then exposing it to a specific wavelength of light, which activates the solution to kill cancer cells.

It’s important to see a dermatologist for regular skin checks and to report any new or unusual growths on your skin. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can lead to a better outcome.

Outlook

The outlook for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is generally good when they are detected and treated early. Both types of skin cancer are usually slow-growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body, although advanced cases of SCC may be more aggressive.

The five-year survival rate for BCC is estimated to be over 95%, while the five-year survival rate for SCC is estimated to be around 90%. However, these survival rates may vary depending on factors such as the size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and response to treatment.

It is necessary to protect your skin from the sun and avoid frequent exposure to lower your risk of developing skin cancer. You should also perform regular skin checks and see a dermatologist if you notice any new or unusual growths on your skin. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can lead to a better outcome.