Squamous cell carcinoma is also known as Spinaliom, as Spinozelluläres carcinoma or as spiny cell cancer and is the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. About 30 out of every 100,000 people in Germany contract a spinalioma every year in Germany. People with the lighter skin type I and II are the most affected. The average age for the spinalioma is around 70 years, with men suffering more frequently than women.
Squamous cell carcinoma: typical skin areas
Squamous cell carcinoma develops mainly on so-called sun terraces. This is the name given to those parts of the body that are particularly exposed to UV radiation from the sun: the face, ears, backs of the hands and forearms are common sites of squamous cell carcinoma. The mouth, tongue, lower lip and genital area may also be affected by a spinal instability. In men, squamous cell carcinoma of the light main hair can also occur on the ear tips, on the neck and on the bald head.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Precursor actinic keratosis (solar keratosis)
The Spinaliom usually develops from a precursor (in situ carcinoma, precancerosis). An example of a precursor of squamous cell carcinoma on the skin is the so-called actinic keratosis (solar keratosis). It is mainly caused by body parts that are exposed to UV radiation from the sun. An actinic keratosis looks like a sharply defined redness that feels like fine sandpaper. It is not malignant in itself, but can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, and should therefore be treated.
Squamous cell carcinoma: skin damage and immunosuppression
In addition to actinic keratosis, there are other risk factors for a spinaliom: Skin, which was previously damaged by certain poisons such as tar, arsenic or soot, is particularly at risk for squamous cell carcinoma. Tongue and mouth are often damaged by chronic tobacco and alcohol consumption, which can lead to squamous cell carcinoma in this area. Spinal anomalies also occur significantly more often when the immune system is weakened by drugs (for example, after organ transplantation) or diseases (such as HIV infection or cancer).
Squamous cell carcinoma: chances of recovery and aftercare
As with all skin cancers, an early diagnosis and therapy is crucial for a chance of recovery also in a squamous cell carcinoma (spinal, carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma): If at the time of surgery, no dislocations (metastases) in adjacent lymph nodes or other organs are present, the cure prospects Good. If the Spinaliom is still less than one centimeter, the chances of recovery are almost 100 percent. For a spinal genome in the region of the genitals or the mouth, the prognosis is worse. Untreated, a Spinozelluläres carcinoma can lead to death.
Even if the squamous cell carcinoma has been completely removed and is cured, a regular follow-up is recommended because of a possible new occurrence of the tumor. About half of those affected have a second tumor in the first five years. The follow-up examinations cover a period of up to five years (in so-called “high-risk” tumors) after the end of therapy. This cancer follow-up is first carried out at quarterly and later every six months. Further investigations depend on the individual course.
Squamous cell carcinoma: prevention
Excessive UV radiation to the skin is considered to be one of the main risk factors, not only for spinal, but also for other skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma or black skin cancer, Avoid direct sunlight and protect your skin with sunscreen creams and textiles. The German Cancer Aid advises not to tan in the solarium (artificial UV radiation).
For men with light hair, wearing headgear is strongly recommended. Children should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The brighter the skin type, the more attention should be paid to the sunscreen.
If you already have spiny cell cancer, make sure you have cancer aftercare. Consult your doctor at the prescribed intervals. Only the timely recognition of a recurrence of the old tumor (recurrence) ensures the chance of permanent healing in one Squamous cell carcinoma.