Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis

The early diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is preferable as the tumor is easier to remove and treat when the affected area is smaller. There are a number of signs that can help to identify and diagnose SCC.

Particularly for patients at risk of the condition, it is important for individuals to recognize signs of abnormal skin cell growth and seek medical help when signs appear. A health professional can examine the skin changes closely and perform immediate treatment or take a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Self-Examination

Patients should be encouraged to regularly check their skin and monitor for any changes that may indicate abnormal cell growth and early signs of squamous cell carcinoma. It is important to understand the pattern of marks on the skin, including moles, blemishes and freckles, to recognize when changes present.

All areas should be examined in a well-lit room approximately once a month. Tumors can present on any area of the skin, including the palms, soles, scalp, ears, nails and back. Family or friends may be able to help monitor areas of the body that are difficult to see, such as the back.

Any spot that is new, changed or sore should be brought to the attention of a medical professional for further examination.

Health Professional Examination

In addition to self-examination by patients, a health professional should be involved in the screening for squamous cell carcinoma, particularly for those individuals at high risk of developing the condition.

It is important to establish the family history of the patient to help gauge their risk of skin cancer, in addition to other risk factors for the condition, such as exposure to sunlight. Additionally, questions about when particular marks appeared and how they have changed in size or appearance should be addressed.

All areas of the skin should then be examined, and suspicious areas looked at more closely for specific characteristics that may suggest squamous cell carcinoma, such as irregularity of shape. Any spots that have been noted to have abnormal growth should be examined more closely, looking at the size, shape and color of the mark.

It may also be necessary to check for enlarged lymph nodes, particularly when there are suspicious spots on the skin that may be caused by squamous cell carcinoma. This helps to establish the spread of cancer and navigate future treatment decisions.

Skin Biopsy

Diagnosis can only be confirmed with a biopsy of the skin cells, which is tested for the properties of cancerous growth in a laboratory setting.

However, depending on the size, location and particular characteristics of the case, removal and treatment of the suspected area prior to confirmation of diagnosis may be necessary. Some treatment types involve the surgical removal of the tumor, a complete biopsy, which is then tested for cancerous properties and evidence that the entire tumor has been removed.

Differential Diagnosis

When making a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, it is important to distinguish it from other health conditions with similar symptoms, to ensure the optimal treatment plan is followed. The conditions include:

• Actinic keratosis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Atypical fibroxanthoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Benign skin lesions
• Bowenoid papulosis
• Chemical burns
• Limbal Dermoid
• Pyoderma gangrenosum

References

• http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-basalandsquamouscell/detailedguide/skin-cancer-basal-and-squamous-cell-detection
• http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1965430-differential
• https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/squamous-cell-carcinoma/diagnosis-treatment-msk

Further Reading

• All Squamous Cell Carcinoma Content
• What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cause
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma Management
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms

Written by

Susan Chow

Susan holds a Ph.D in cell and molecular biology from Dartmouth College in the United States and is also a certified editor in the life sciences (ELS). She worked in a diabetes research lab for many years before becoming a medical and scientific writer. Susan loves to write about all aspects of science and medicine but is particularly passionate about sharing advances in cancer therapies. Outside of work, Susan enjoys reading, spending time at the lake, and watching her sons play sports.