Definition

• What is squamous cell skin cancer and how does it differ from other types of skin cancer? This is a type of cancer that comes from a number of different sources, such as prolonged exposure to the sunlight. It forms tumors on your skin and can be as unpleasant to look at as it is to be sick from. Not all skin cancers create tumors, but this is one does.
  
  

Symptoms

• The main symptom of this type of cancer is the tumors that it will cause. This starts as a small bump on the skin and will grow over time. The skin on the outside of this tumor may be rough or scaly. Flat, reddish patches on the skin will also erupt. Both of these symptoms are commonly found on the hands, arms, ears, nose, and face, though they can occur on other parts of the body as well.
  
  

Causes

• Skin cells often start to change when they are introduced to some kind of radiation or other harmful substance. When these cells change, squamous cell skin cancer is likely to erupt. There are a few common causes of this type of cancer that have proven to be dangerous. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, such as sunlight, can cause this cancer. So can extensive exposure to x-rays, various chemicals and arsenic. Being over the age of 50 makes you more susceptible to this cancer, as does having fair skin, blond or red hair or blue eyes.
  
  

Treatment

• Like all skin cancers, if squamous cell skin cancer is detected early, it is treatable. Surgeries are suggested to remove the tumors that appear on the skin as a result of the cancer. Microscopic shaving is required to get rid of smaller tumors and skin grafting is used to clear up large areas that are infected by the cancer. Radiation therapy is often used to reduce the size of the skin tumors before surgery is done.
  
  

Prevention

• There are a few things you can do in order to prevent getting squamous cell skin cancer. First, limit your exposure to the sun especially if you are fair skinned. Wear hats and sun block as well as wide sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you see a growth on your skin, watch it carefully. Most likely, it will not be cancer, but if it changes in color or dramatically in size you should go to the doctor to get it checked out.