Untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the skin can destroy nearby healthy tissue, spread to the lymph nodes or other organs, and may be fatal, although this is uncommon.
In general, the squamous cell carcinoma survival rate is very high—when detected early, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent. Even if squamous cell carcinoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the cancer may be effectively treated through a combination of surgery and radiation treatment.
Metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is rare. However, certain tumor and patient characteristics increase the risk of metastasis. Prior studies have demonstrated metastasis rates of 3-9%, occurring, on average, one to two years after initial diagnosis [6].
After evaluating these factors, the oncologist will assign one of the following squamous cell carcinoma stages to the tumor: Stage 0 – Cancer is only present on the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). Stage 1 – Cancer has grown deep into the skin, but has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or healthy tissues.
“Aggressive SCC” or “high-risk SCC” is cancer that is more likely to recur (return after initial treatment) or metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). Features of high-risk SCC are: Larger than 2 centimeters (cm) Deeper than 2 millimeters (mm)
If squamous cell carcinoma has spread, chemo might be an option, although an immunotherapy drug might be used first. If chemo is used, drugs such as cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) might be options. These drugs are given into a vein (intravenously, or IV), usually once every few weeks.
Stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma
In stage 1, the cancer is less than 2 centimeters, about 4/5 of an inch across, has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs, and has one or fewer high-risk features.
Squamous cell carcinoma is most curable in the early stages before it spreads. If it's diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 99%.
Treatment should happen as soon as possible after diagnosis, since more advanced SCCs of the skin are more difficult to treat and can become dangerous, spreading to local lymph nodes, distant tissues and organs.
Mohs surgery is the most effective technique for removing early SCCs and is also used for SCC tumors that have recurred, are large or growing rapidly or have indistinct edges.
Squamous cell carcinomas can form on your skin (epidermis) in the same way BCC does, but SCC can also form where you have mucus membranes on your body, which includes the inside of your mouth, throat, lungs and genitals.
Most (95% to 98%) of squamous cell carcinomas can be cured if they are treated early. Once squamous cell carcinoma has spread beyond the skin, though, less than half of people live five years, even with aggressive treatment.
Death from basal and squamous cell skin cancers is uncommon. It's thought that about 2,000 people in the US die each year from these cancers, and that this rate has been dropping in recent years.
Epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin are more likely to develop other malignancies; however, the factors responsible for this are unknown.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is usually not life-threatening, though it can be aggressive. Untreated, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin can grow large or spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Early Stages
At first, cancer cells appear as flat patches in the skin, often with a rough, scaly, reddish, or brown surface.
Although squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive than basal cell cancer, the risk of this type of cancer spreading is low—as long as the cancer is treated early, Dr. Leffell says. He notes that the lesions must be treated with respect because they may grow rapidly and invade deeply.
Yes, squamous cell carcinoma can make you feel tired. It can make a person feel weak and exhausted. During the treatment procedures of squamous cell carcinoma, the patient tends to feel more tired. These types of fatigue that are related to cancer are known as cancer-related fatigue (CRF).
Squamous cell skin cancer can be quite serious in a minority of cases, but it does not “turn into” melanoma. Melanoma is a deadly cancer that arises from melanocytes, a different type of skin cell than squamous cells.
Guidelines recommend excision margins of 4–6 mm for low risk cSCC and 6–10 mm or more for high risk cSCC (32, 37, 38).
Conclusion: A dietary pattern characterized by high meat and fat intakes increases SCC tumor risk, particularly in persons with a skin cancer history.
Most squamous cell skin cancers are found and treated at an early stage, when they can be removed or destroyed with local treatment methods. Small squamous cell cancers can usually be cured with these treatments.