It is observed that 2 out of every ten skin cancer patients have squamous cell carcinoma. If your family history of skin cancer concerns you, you should consult Chevy Chase certified dermatologist immediately. They will conduct necessary diagnoses and will confirm whether you have cancer or not. Then again, educating yourself a little about the condition is never a bad idea.
Understanding squamous cell carcinoma
It is a type of skin cancer affecting the skin’s top layer. It can be detected in the early stages and is curable. For Chevy Chase squamous cell carcinoma treatment, you can visit the clinic of Dr. Ali Hendi, MD. They offer excellent and effective treatment. Also, if surgery is needed, it will be performed in an accredited surgical center. Also, since he has performed over 20,000 Mohs cases since opening his clinic, you can be rest assured that your case is in good hands.
Squamous cells are flat and found on the skin’s top layer. As a normal process, your skin sheds these cells, allowing new cell growth. However, when the number of these cells increases rapidly, they form a layer of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
Risks factors
Individuals with fair skin, especially light-colored hair, and eyes, are at increased risk of developing this cancer. However, other risks include:
- Extreme sun exposure
- Using tanning beds frequently
- Skin lesions
- History of basal cell carcinoma or melanoma
- Genetic disorders like xeroderma pigmentosum (such a disorder increases sensitivity to sunlight)
- Patient taking immunosuppressive drugs after an organ transplant
- Patients with multiple moles (usually in the hundreds)
- Patients who have suffered severe and frequent sunburns as a child
Preventative steps
Like any other condition, cancer can be prevented if you remain cautious. If you are at high risk of developing the condition, the following preventative steps are strongly recommended:
- Self-examine your skin thoroughly once a month.
- Visit a certified Chevy Chase dermatologist annually.
- Regularly use sunscreen. Effective results depend on the one that is broad spectrum with at least SPF 30 and is waterproof. Ideally, use it after every 2 hours when you are in the sun, and ensure you apply it on all exposed skin areas and not just the face.
- Avoid using tanning beds.
- Avoid going out in the sun during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
Finally, if you are a high-risk individual with a weak immune system, you better take all the preventative measures and consult your Chevy Chase dermatologist regularly.
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