Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin Microchapters

Home

Patient Info

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin from other Diseases

Epidemiology & Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

Chest X Ray

CT Scan

MRI

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features

CDC on Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features

Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features in the news

Blogs on Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features

Directions to Hospitals Treating Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

Risk calculators and risk factors for Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2], Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [3]

Overview

The majority of squamous cell carcinomas arise on the sun-exposed areas of the skin on the head and neck, with fewer lesions arising on the extremities and the trunk. The early lesions of squamous cell carcinoma frequently present as a red, scaly spots while later lesions may form nodules or firm plaques, either of which can ulcerate ( http://tray.dermatology.uiowa.edu). Diagnosis is established by performing a biopsy and the obtaining histopathological confirmation. Complete excision is curative in the vast majority of cases, however occasionally squamous cell carcinoma will invade along the perineural layer of peripheral nerves and will extend well beyond the clinically apparent mass. Local recurrence is more common in these instances and when occurring on the head, may cause direct intracranial extension. Metastases to draining lymph nodes occurs in a minority of cases and disseminated disease is the cause of most squamous cell carcinoma-related deaths. Higher rates of metastasis (~15%) are observed with primary lesions of the lips or ears (Rowe et al., 1992). Radiation therapy is helpful in some cases of locally recurrent disease in which complete resection is difficult to achieve.

History / Presenting complaints

Squamous cell carcinoma is often easy to visualize on the body, as it most often occurs in fairly exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, neck and arms. It is a slow growing tumor and its presentation usually depends on the part of the body that is involved. It may vary in appearance from simple growing lump, a plaque or a bleeding ulcer.[1]

Systemic symptoms of this carcinoma are seen in the advanced stages where the cancer disseminates. Usually, the only systemic symptom is easy fatigability, however certain symptoms such as dysphagia and odynophagia are seen when the tongue, lips or esophagus are involved.

Skin

Persons who present with squamous cell carcinoma of skin may have one of the following risk factors;

  • significant sun exposure
  • benign lesions such as chalazion
  • chronic ulcers

Presentation : They usually notice plaque. Ulcers are commonly seen over the face causing disfiguration. At times they can be exophytic over the lips etc.

Tongue and Esophagus

Persons who present with squamous cell carcinoma of tongue and esophagus are likely to have following risk factors;

  • Tobacco chewing or smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Poor dental hygiene

Presentation : It usually presents as an ulceration on the lateral aspect of the tongue, which is pink to red in color. The patient will often find it tough to eat or swallow as a result of the lesion. Involvement of the throat and esophagus leads to symptoms of dysphagia and odynophagia, first to solids, and then in later stages to liquids also. Swelling of lymph nodes presenting as lumps in the neck will often occur in later stages of cancer.

Nasopharynx

Persons who have SCC of this region seldom have any known risk factors. It is usually caused by infection with Epstein-Barr virus.

Presentation : Patient presents with symptoms from the mass effect of the tumor. They include nasal discharge, bleeding, obstruction; ear infection, deafness , tinnitus are complained. Other important complaints include headache and neck swelling due to lymph nodal spread.[5]

Lungs

Persons who have SCC of lungs usually have risk factors like

  • Therapeutic radiation (PUVA for psoriais)
  • Tobacco smoking

Presentation : Persons who present with SCC of lungs doesn't present usually with any typical symptoms of pulmonary. But in few we may see persistent cough, hemoptysis when it is exophytic and occupies whole of the bronchi which can even lead to recurrent infections.

Penis

Persons who present with Squamous cell carcinoma of penis are most likely to have

Presentation : Unhealed lesions, subtle indurations may be the intial presentation. Often presentation to the clinic is delayed due to embarrassment most of the times. Warts can be a pre-disposing factor.Large warts lead to infections and necrosis leading to hemorrhages at times.

others





Cervix: Squamous cell carcinoma

<youtube v=zB47nE-i8dQ/>


<youtube v=J3kULzKGzws/>

References

  1. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001832/
  2. http://picasaweb.google.com/mcmumbi/USMLEIIImages
  3. http://www.ghorayeb.com
  4. http://picasaweb.google.com/mcmumbi/USMLEIIImages
  5. Sham JS, Poon YF, Wei WI, Choy D. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in young patients. Cancer. Jun 1 1990;65(11):2606-10.
  6. http://www.ghorayeb.com
  7. http://www.ghorayeb.com