What Are Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas?

Basal cell and squamous cell cancers behave and are treated similarly. The difference lies in the cell from which it originates within the skin. Often, this only can be distinguished by examining the skin under a microscope. There are several different types of basal and squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to distinguish these types prior to treatment, as different therapies may be required. For this reason a biopsy is usually performed prior to treatment.

SIGNS

A suspicious mole that gets bigger, bleeds, has irregular edges, or is of unusual color is a significant symptom of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Other signs of melanoma include:

  • A large brown area with darker spots
  • An irregularly-shaped lesion with portions that appear red, white, or blue-black
  • Dark spots, freckles, or sores on your palms, soles of the feet, toes, or on the areas lining your mouth or nose

A waxy bump or flesh-colored, scar-like patch indicate possible basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma can develop as a firm red nodule or a flat spot with a crusty surface.

PREVENTION

Regular use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher reduces your risk of developing skin cancer significantly. Other measures to take include:

  • Stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm
  • Do not get a sunburn
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Cover up with clothing if you do need to be in the sun, including a hat and sunglasses

Yearly screenings at Atlantic Dermatology can protect you from developing a severe case of skin cancer by catching it early.

MORE ABOUT CARCINOMAS

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of any type with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed each year. Both basal and squamous cell carcinoma most commonly occur on the head and neck. The carcinoma often begins as a small bump that can look like a pimple but will continue to enlarge, often bleeds, and does not heal completely. It may be red, flesh-colored, or darker than the surrounding skin.

 

Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads (metastasizes) to distant parts of the body. Instead, it grows larger and deeper, destroying nearby parts of the body in its path. Squamous cell carcinoma behaves locally like basal cell carcinoma. However, certain tumors can metastasize (spread elsewhere) from the skin.

 

Treatment of Skin Cancer

Cryosurgery

Liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion using an aerosol spray. This procedure may be repeated to guarantee total destruction of malignant cells.

 

Surgical Excision

In an excision, the skin cancer is cut out and removed under local anesthesia and seldom entails major blood loss.

 

Electrodessication and Curettage (ED&C)

Skin cancer is curetted or “scraped away” with a special tool designed to remove cancerous cells. The area then is cauterized (“electrodessicated”) using electric cautery.

 

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is highly effective and performed by dermatologists with advanced fellowship training.

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