Squamous cell carcinoma in situ is a treatable cancer of squamous cells that has not yet become invasive and can affect any part of the body, especially those most exposed to sunlight, toxins, or HPV. It can be removed before becoming invasive, but if left untreated, it can become life-threatening. Treatment involves eliminating the cancer, often by excision, electrodesiccation, or laser therapy.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ, also called Bowen’s disease, is cancer of the squamous cells that has not yet become invasive. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common skin cancers, second only to basal cell carcinoma, and can affect any part of the body, especially those most exposed to sunlight, toxins or human papillomavirus (HPV). ). Because it is not yet invasive, squamous cell carcinoma in situ is very treatable and can often be completely removed.
A carcinoma is any tumor of the epithelial cells. Epithelial cells line organs including the skin, make up some glands, and are one of the major cell types in the body. Squamous cells are a type of epithelial cell found within the mouth, skin, anal canal, vagina, tongue, urinary bladder, prostate, cervix, esophagus, lungs, and blood vessels.
While SCC can appear in any of these locations, it is more likely to appear in locations that have been chronically exposed to sunlight, especially for fair-skinned people; radiation; chemical toxins such as arsenic; and tobacco;, as well as in places where multiple injuries and scar tissue have occurred. The sexually transmitted HPV infection can also cause squamous cell carcinoma, usually on the genitals and cervix. Other risk factors that are less likely to affect the location of the cancer include older age, being male, genetics, and compromised immune systems, especially from immunosuppressant drugs taken after organ transplants.
In situ literally means “in place,” which, in the case of cancer, means that it hasn’t moved or has begun to invade deeper skin structures. This makes in situ SCC much more treatable than invasive SCC. When visible, squamous cell carcinoma in situ often looks like a bumpy, red, scaly patch that doesn’t go away. If caught before it becomes invasive, the cancer can be removed, thus eliminating the risk of it spreading and causing serious complications. Left untreated, SCC can become invasive, forming a tumor and, in rare cases, metastasizing to other organs with potentially life-threatening consequences.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ often stays in situ for a long time, but can cause severe disfigurement and other complications if left untreated. The treatment plan for most cancers involves eliminating the cancer, often by excision, electrodesiccation, or laser therapy. For small squamous cell carcinoma in situ, a patient might receive topical cancer cream or cryosurgery, in which the carcinoma is frozen with liquid nitrogen. A carcinoma larger than 2 cm (0.78 inches) has a high risk of invading deeper into the skin and should be cut out or even treated with radiation therapy.
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