Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin history and symptoms

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

Squamous cell carcinoma is a cutaneous tumor, which can be diagnosed in very early stages itself. Early diagnosis of the condition makes it amendable for treatment.

History / Presenting complaints

It is easy to find it as it appears mostly in the noticeable regions of the body like face, ears, neck, arms, etc. It grows slowly and presentation depends on the part of the body that is involved.It may vary from simple growing lump , plaque or a bleeding ulcer.

Skin

Persons who present with Squamous cell carcinoma of skin may have one of the following risk factors like

• significant sun exposure
• benign lesions like Chalazion
• chronic ulcers.

Presentation : They usually notice plaque, change in mole color/size when it occurs on the skin.

Tongue and Esophagus

Persons who present with Squamous cell carcinoma of tongue and esophagus are most likely to have following risk factor

• Tobacco chewing/smoking
• Alcohol Abuse
• Poor dental hygiene

Presentation : Its usually ulcerated in the lateral part of it, pink-red color. Patient finds tough to eat or swallow. As it bleeds on touch or biting. They have dysphagia/ odynophagia when esophagus is involved. In later stages even liquids are tough to go thru. Swelling of lymph nodes is seen in advanced stages where we can find lumps in the neck

Penis

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

• Pre-malignanat lesions (Bowen disease, Condyloma , Warts)
• Smoking and tobacco chewing

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 at times lead to infections and necrosis leading to hemorrhages at times.

References

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