Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Question 1

The second most common form of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma in the UK. What is the annual incidence of squamous celkl carcinoma each year?

1 - 80
2 - 8000
3 - 80,000
4 - 800,000

Answer 1

3 - 80,000
- 4.7% increase in incidence between 2013-2019

Question 2

Are the number of deaths associated with squamous cell carcinoma going up or down?

Answer 2

• up
• increase of 40% in last 10 years
• people are living longer, which may explain these changes

Question 3

The second most common form of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma in the UK. Where do they most commonly affect?

1 - legs and arms
2 - head and back
3 - head and neck
4 - legs and face

Answer 3

3 - head and neck
- specifically more common on the mouth and ears

• linked to Cumulative UV exposure

Question 4

Of the 4 images below, which is a squamous cell carcinoma?

Answer 4

• top right

Question 5

Can squamous cell carcinomas be painful?

Answer 5

• yes
• this is how to distinguish between SCC and BCC

Question 6

Do squamous or basal cell carcinomas grow more aggressively?

Answer 6

• squamous cell carcinomas

Question 7

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) can grow aggressively. Which of the following is NOT a high risk for SCC that needs treating quickly?

1 - Mouth, ears
2 - <2cm diameter
3 - Moderate – poor differentiation
4 - Immunosuppressed
5 - Invading beyond dermis

Answer 7

2 - <2cm diameter
- typically anything >2cm is worrying

Question 8

Do patients who are immunocompromised have an increased or decreased risk of skin cancer?

Answer 8

• increased risk
• must wear sun cream even in winter

Question 9

Excision is the main stay of treatment in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. What is a typical margin that is aimed for?

1 - 1-2mm
2 - 4-6mm
3 - 8-12mm
4 - 10-20mm

Answer 9

2 - 4-6mm
- depends on the location and risk

• radiotherapy is typically used as an adjunct rather than alone if unable to completely excise

Question 10

What is the ONLY modifiable risk factor for skin cancer?

1 - sun exposure
2 - weight
3 - immunotherapy
4 - smoking

Answer 10

1 - sun exposure

Question 11

Avoiding peak UV times can help mitigate the risks associated with skin cancer. What are peak UV times?

1 - 9am - 1pm
2 - 11am - 12pm
3 - 11am - 3pm
4 - 1-3pm

Answer 11

3 - 11am - 3pm

Question 12

Which of the following are ways to minimise UV exposure and reduce the risk of skin cancer?

1 - Wear hats, sun glasses, clothes
2 - Sunscreen on face and as needed elsewhere
3 - Broad spectrum of >SPF30
4 - Suncream containing UVA: 4-5 stars
5 - all of the above

Answer 12

5 - all of the above