Who is Most Likely to Get Squamous Cell Skin Cancer?
You have a higher risk of getting squamous cell skin cancer if you have at least one of the following: light colored hair, eyes, and skin, too much exposure to the sun, x-rays, and chemicals. Squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer is very common amongst people who fit the above criteria. It is characterized by growing bumps that have scaly surfaces, or flat reddish surfaces. Non healing wounds are another characteristic of this type of cancer.
The neck, face, arms, ears, and nose a some of the most common areas where tumors develop. The good news is that it can be treated if caught early. If you getting any type of indication that that you might have it, then get an appointment with a professional scheduled as soon as possible so you can begin receiving squamous cell skin cancer treatment.
Protect Yourself
If you are over fifty, or fit any of the above characteristics, it would be best to protect yourself before you get squamous cell skin cancer. That means protecting yourself from chemical exposure, wearing sun screen when you’re outside, as well as getting checked often.
A dermatologist can inspect any existing moles or sores to determine if they are squamous cell skin cancer. If he or she thinks that you possibly have it, then you can undergo testing and proceed with the necessary treatment.
Testing And Treatment
Generally speaking, a medical professional is capable of making a squamous cell skin cancer prognosis by analyzing whether a skin bump, mole, or sore is cancerous just by looking at it. Next, a skin sample is taken and then delivered to a lab for further testing. At the lab, it will be confirmed whether or not the sample is indeed cancerous.
Again, squamous cell skin cancer can be treated if caught early enough. The problem is that it can metastasize, or spread, to other areas of the body including internal organs. If this happens, radiation may need to be used.
Protecting yourself from the sun and from the things that can cause squamous cell skin cancer to develop will allow you to avoid it altogether. If you do have it though, get it looked at and treated. Make an appointment to see a dermatologist immediately at the first sign of a sore that doesn’t heal, a mole, or bump that seems odd in appearance or that feels weird.
See Also: Do You Have Squamous Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer?