Dermatology Glossary

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous carcinoma is usually seen as an erythematous to skin-colored scaling plaque or nodule, most typically on sun-exposed skin.
Ulceration may occur as the lesion enlarges. The lesion is hard.
Squamous carcinoma can also occur at the site of chronic irritation such as a chronic ulcer from any cause.
Perhaps 5% of squamous carcinomas will metastasize to regional lymph nodes.

Treatment:

• The treatment of choice is usually surgical excision with a 0.5 cm margin.
• Radiation therapy is an alternative treatment.
• Because, unlike nodular basal cell carcinomas which are soft, squamous carcinomas are hard and fibrotic, electrofulguration and curettage is not usually the treatment of choice.
• Topical creams such as 5-fluorouracil cream are not likely to be effective.
• Close follow-up is indicated, with examination of the operative site and check of the regional nodes.

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