Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that typically affects the skin, though it can also affect other areas of the body such as the lungs, throat, or mouth. It can be fatal, though this tends to be more of a risk if the cancer is not caught early or if it is advanced.
If the cancer is detected early, treatment is usually effective and often curative; in some cases, if the cancer is localized, it can be removed surgically without the need for further treatment.
Unfortunately, if squamous cell carcinoma is not caught and treated early, it can become more advanced, spreading to other organs, tissues, and lymph nodes. In more advanced cases, more aggressive treatment may be required, and the prognosis can be poor.
The treatment options may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the individual case.
In general, squamous cell carcinoma is a serious condition that can be fatal, but it is also very treatable if it is caught early. If you find any abnormal growths on your skin, speak to your doctor to arrange for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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How long can a person live with squamous cell carcinoma?
The prognosis for people with squamous cell carcinoma depends on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread to other areas, and the person’s overall health.
Typically, the earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis.
For localized cases, five-year survival rates can be as high as 90%. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, long-term survival rates are lower, but can still be as high as 40-50%. With treatment, most squamous cell carcinomas can be managed to keep people in remission for an unknown amount of time.
In some cases, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be used in combination for effective treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. In other instances, the cancer can be treated with just one of these modalities.
Although there is no definitive answer as to how long someone with squamous cell carcinoma can live, the American Cancer Society reports that regular follow-up care is key to living a full life. With ongoing surveillance, many people can live normal, active lives for years after diagnosis.
How quickly does squamous cell cancer spread?
Squamous cell cancer can spread quickly or slowly, depending on a variety of factors. Generally, squamous cell carcinomas grow and spread slowly. For example, tumors on the skin may take several years to become larger in size and to spread to nearby lymph nodes.
However, if the cancer is not detected or treated early, it can spread more quickly to distant organs throughout the body.
In some cases, squamous cell cancer cells may develop pathways allowing them to travel through the body, even through the bloodstream. This can significantly increase the speed at which the cancer spreads, as well as its ability to invade new parts of the body.
Metastasis, or the spreading of the cancer to distant organs and sites, is determined by the type of cells and several other factors, such as the patient’s age and general health. Moreover, a tumor’s access to oxygen, nutrition, and potential growth factors can also affect its ability to spread.
Consequently, it is difficult to predict how quickly a particular case of squamous cell cancer may spread.
What is the treatment for squamous cell carcinoma?
The treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) depends on the location, size and stage of the cancer. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment option with you, which may include surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.
Surgery is often the primary treatment for SCC and may involve removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue, or in more serious cases, removing an entire organ. Radiation therapy is used to destroy remaining cancer cells in the area and may also be used before surgery to shrink the tumor.
Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells and may be used to treat advanced squamous cell carcinoma.
Should I worry if I have squamous cell carcinoma?
Yes, it is important to be concerned if you have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC is a type of skin cancer that can occur in areas exposed to the sun or in parts of the body where the skin has been damaged or injured.
It can also form in some organs, like the throat, bladder, or lungs. SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and it can be serious if it is not treated promptly.
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and/or other therapies may be necessary to treat SCC. Even if the skin lesion does not appear dangerous, it is important to have any suspicious spots checked by a doctor.
Early detection and treatment can help ensure the best outcome.
What is the risk of SCC recurrence?
The risk of SCC recurrence is difficult to fully predict, as SCCs can occur independent of one another. Generally, there is an increased risk of recurrence if: the SCC was found in newer or previously untreated wounds; the initial SCC was large or of moderate-to-poor quality on biopsy; if the patient has had previous episodes of SCC; or if the treatment for the initial SCC was inadequate.
Individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS, may also be at greater risk for recurrence.
Patients should work closely with their doctor and/or dermatologist to closely monitor the affected area, even after the initial SCC is successfully treated. In some cases, it may also be beneficial to undergo regular follow-up assessments or use skin imaging or other tests to monitor for any changes or signs of recurrence.
It is important to note that recurrence may occur even years after the initial SCC was successfully treated. It is also important to practice proper wound care and to wear protective clothing when necessary, in order to minimize the risk of recurrence.
