SCC

Question 1

What is SCC?

Answer 1

malignant tumour arising from keratinocytes of the epidermis

Question 2

Give 4 epidemiological facts about SCC’s

Answer 2

2nd most common skin cancer
Incidence rising + higher in Caucasians.
20% of non-melanoma skin cancers
M > F

Question 3

List 2 characteristics of SCCs

Answer 3

Locally invasive

Potential to metastasise

Question 4

List 6 risk factors for SCC

Answer 4

UV light (holidays in sun, outdoor occupations + tanning beds).
Susceptibility to UV light: fair skin, blonde or red hair.
Chemical carcinogens: arsenic + chromium
HPV
Ionising radiation exposure.
Immunodeficiency.

Question 5

What are Actinic keratoses?

Answer 5

UV light-induced lesions of the skin with malignant potential
Thickened scaly growth

Question 6

What is Bowen’s disease?

Answer 6

Intraepidermal (in situ) SCC
Arises in the outer layers of the epidermis
3% risk of progression to invasive SCC

Question 7

List 3 signs of SCC

Answer 7

Non-healing ulcerated lesion with hard, raised edges.
Slow-growing ulcer or reddish skin plaque.
May bleed

Question 8

Give 3 treatment options used for SCC

Answer 8

Excisional biopsy
Cryotherapy
Curettage + electrocautery