Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in United Arab Emirates

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most frequent type of skin cancer, following basal cell carcinoma. It begins in squamous cells in your outer layer of skin, the epidermis. Squamous cell carcinomas typically develop on sun-exposed skin parts, such as your head, arms and legs. Cancer can also develop in the parts of your body where you have mucous membranes, that is, the inner lining of your organs and body cavities such as in your mouth, lungs and anus.

Types of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Depending on the location and extent of the cancer in your body, there are various forms of squamous cell carcinoma:

• Cutaneous: Cancer that simply affects your skin's outermost layer (in situ) or has spread to other body parts.
• Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread to areas of the body other than the skin.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) should be treated early to enhance cure rates, reduce complications, and prevent the cancer from spreading. Early detection allows for more effective therapy, often resulting in less invasive procedures and a better quality of life for the patient. Delaying treatment can cause more aggressive, costly, and less likely to heal cancer.

What are the Common Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Depending on the location of the cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) symptoms may differ, but they generally include:

Skin Lesions: A flat, scaly, crusted lesion or a firm, red nodule often seen on sun-shaded areas like the hands, face, ears, or neck.

Bleeding or Ulceration: Bleeding, ulceration, or an unhealing scab is caused by the tumour.

Pain or Tenderness: The affected region becomes painful or tender upon palpation.

Itching or Burning: Itching or burning can be associated with the lesion.

Lumps or Swelling: Lumps can occur in the neck or nearby regions if SCC invades lymph nodes.

Causes and Risk Factors of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Causes

Squamous cell carcinoma is due to a mutation of the p53 gene. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or indoor tanning beds is the most common cause of mutations of the p53 gene.

Risk Factors

• Age
• Weakened Immune System
• Smoking
• Fair Skin
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
• Chronic Skin Conditions
• Exposure to Chemicals
• History of Skin Cancer
• Radiation Exposure

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the United Arab Emirates

New advances in managing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have introduced new approaches to improving patient outcomes. For SCC, Mohs micrographic surgery, a highly accurate technique for removing skin cancers has become increasingly popular, particularly in areas where tissue conservation is crucial. In addition, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has yielded promising results. For instance, a study demonstrated that PDT effectively treated non-metastatic cutaneous SCC with high complete response and low recurrence at three-year follow-up.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Prevention Tips

There are a few tips to prevent squamous cell carcinoma, including:

• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, caps, and sunglasses to protect the skin from the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds since they expose the skin to dangerous UV rays.
• Visit a dermatologist for a professional skin checkup and conduct routine skin checks.
• Quit smoking since it raises the risk of SCC, especially in the lungs, throat, and mouth.
• Vaccinate yourself against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which has been connected to genital SCC.
• Avoid exposing your skin to chemicals like arsenic, which might increase your chance of developing SCC.