Squamous cells are a type of epithelial cell found throughout the body and can be identified by a flattened, pancake-like shape. Patients may commonly develop squamous cell carcinoma within the skin or in lung tissue, since both organs present a rich source of epithelial cells. Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or lung can lead to a number of symptoms.
Sore That Fails to Heal
A common symptom of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a sore that fails to heal properly, according to MedlinePlus. Cancerous lesions in the skin often become ulcerated, meaning the cancer growth cannot maintain the integrity of normal skin tissue and forms a sore. Since the lesion is surrounded by cancer growth, the skin cannot properly heal itself, and the sore can persist for weeks or even months. An ulcerated lesion may indicate early-, mid- or late-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, so patients with abnormal or persistent skin sores should seek medical attention to assess the health of their skin and address the possibility of cancer.
Shortness of Breath
When squamous cell carcinoma occurs within the lungs, cancer growth can lead to shortness of breath. Normal squamous cells in the lungs are located in the alveoli, which are the air sacs deep within the lungs, and the site of oxygen transfer into the blood. Cancer growth within the alveoli can diminish lung capacity, since the cancer occupies the normal site of oxygen transfer and takes up space within the lung. As a result, patients with squamous cell carcinoma in the lung often develop shortness of breath, reports the National Cancer Institute. Constant shortness of breath can lead to fatigue and difficulty performing physical activity, and can ultimately prove debilitating or fatal. Patients with unexplained constant shortness of breath should seek medical attention to check the health of their lungs.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Patients with squamous cell carcinoma may develop swollen lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are small structures located all throughout the body that function to house immune cells and make up a part of the immune system. In cancer development, including squamous cell carcinoma, the lymph nodes often represent an initial site of cancer spreading. As a result, patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung may develop swollen lymph nodes in the chest cavity, leading to chest pain. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin also develop cancer growth in the lymph nodes around the skin, with 80 percent of squamous cell carcinoma metastases occurring within surrounding lymph nodes, according to DermNet NZ. Squamous cell carcinoma patients with swollen lymph nodes commonly undergo aggressive cancer therapy to control the spread of their disease.
