Skin Cancer-Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer.  This cancers results from the uncontrolled rapid growth of abnormal cells.
The main symptom is a growing bump that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma under the nail

 
Below is a slide of a histology slide after biopsy of squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is caused by UV rays over a period of a lifetime. Although SCC is usually found on the skin that has been exposed to the sun SCC can also be found in the mucus membranes and genitals.

Skin biopsies are done using a local anesthetic (numbing medicine), which is injected into the area with a small needle. You will likely feel a small pinch and a little stinging as the medicine is injected, but you should not feel any pain during the biopsy. Any biopsy is likely to leave a scar. Since different methods produce different types of scars, you should ask your dermatologist about biopsies and scarring before the procedure is done.



Diagnosis begins with a biopsy of the suspicious growth on skin. This procedure needs to be performed by a dermatologist.   Shave biopsy uses a thin surgical blade to shave off the top layers of skin. This is the most common method for diagnosing squamous cell skin cancer. Punch biopsy uses a round, cookie cutter-like tool. It is used to take a deeper skin sample.
Skin biopsies are done using a local anesthetic (numbing medicine), which is injected into the area with a small needle. You will likely feel a small pinch and a little stinging as the medicine is injected, but you should not feel any pain during the biopsy. Any biopsy is likely to leave a scar. Since different methods produce different types of scars, you should ask your dematologist about biopsies and scarring before the procedure is done.

 

Above is a video of the histology of a squamous cell carcinoma by Washington Deceit.  This explains how pathologists view cancerous tissue under the microscope to properly diagnosis the cancer for the doctor.

Below is a video of the treatment options of SCC by Dr. Shane Chapman