1. Protect Your Fair Skin
Squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer found in the upper layer of the skin. Doctors diagnose more than 200,000 cases of this type of skin cancer each year. It usually appears on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun, but it can develop in other locations as well, such as inside your mouth. Middle-aged or elderly people who have fair skin and have been exposed to the sun for a good portion of their lives are more susceptible to this type of cancer.
2. Blame it on the Sun
Long-term exposure to the sun is the biggest culprit of squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer is also more likely to occur on scarred or burnt skin, or on skin that's been exposed to chemicals or X-rays. You're at a higher risk of developing this and other skin cancers if you spend a significant amount of time in the sun throughout your life, go tanning or have light hair, pale skin or blue, gray or green eyes. If you have a family history of skin cancer, a weak immune system or if you've had skin cancer in the past, you also run a higher risk of developing the disease.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Skin
If you have squamous cell carcinoma, you may notice a crusty area of skin that looks like an ulcer or tumor. When the tumor develops, it may be scaly, rough and thick. If you have skin lesions called actinic keratoses, pay close attention to them as they can turn into squamous cell carcinoma. If you notice any of the above symptoms or any other changes or abnormalities on your skin or in moles, see a doctor immediately.
4. Find Comfort in the Shade
If you're going to the beach or planning a day outdoors, apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your skin before heading out, and bring a hat or a beach umbrella to shade yourself from the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest. Even if you've never been good about protecting yourself from the sun, it's never too late to start.
5. Get Rid of that Tumor
If you do have squamous cell carcinoma, the good news is that when found and treated early, they're not serious. Once the tumors grow, however, they become more difficult to treat, and they can damage the surrounding skin and possibly spread to bone and cartilage. A small percent of cases may spread to other organs in the body. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment option depending on the size and location of your tumor. Your doctor may remove the tumor in his office using a local anesthetic. In rare cases involving more serious tumors, you may need to go to the hospital to have the tumor removed.
