Squamous cell carcinoma clinical features

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2], Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [3]

The majority of squamous cell carcinomas arise on the sun-exposed areas of the skin on the head and neck, with fewer lesions arising on the extremities and the trunk. The early lesions of squamous cell carcinoma frequently present as a red, scaly spots while later lesions may form nodules or firm plaques, either of which can ulcerate ( http://tray.dermatology.uiowa.edu). Diagnosis is established by performing a biopsy and the obtaining histopathological confirmation. Complete excision is curative in the vast majority of cases, however occasionally squamous cell carcinoma will invade along the perineural layer of peripheral nerves and will extend well beyond the clinically apparent mass. Local recurrence is more common in these instances and when occurring on the head, may cause direct intracranial extension. Metastases to draining lymph nodes occurs in a minority of cases and disseminated disease is the cause of most squamous cell carcinoma-related deaths. Higher rates of metastasis (~15%) are observed with primary lesions of the lips or ears (Rowe et al., 1992). Radiation therapy is helpful in some cases of locally recurrent disease in which complete resection is difficult to achieve.

Squamous cell carcinoma is often easy to visualize on the body, as it most often occurs in fairly exposed areas of the body such as the face, ears, neck and arms. It is a slow growing tumor, and its presentation usually depends on the part of the body that is involved. It may vary in appearance from a simple growing lump, a plaque or a bleeding ulcer.^[1]

Systemic symptoms of this carcinoma are seen in the advanced stages where the cancer disseminates. Usually, the only systemic symptom is easy fatiguability, however certain symptoms such as dysphagia and odynophagia are seen when the tongue, lips, or esophagus are involved.

Skin

Persons who present with squamous cell carcinoma of skin may have one of the following risk factors;

• Significant sun exposure
• Benign lesions such as chalazion
• Chronic ulcers

Presentation : Plaques and ulcers are commonly seen over the face causing disfiguration, and can be exophytic over the lips.

Tongue and Esophagus

Persons who present with squamous cell carcinoma of tongue and esophagus are likely to have following risk factors;

• Tobacco chewing or smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Poor dental hygiene

Presentation : It usually presents as an ulceration on the lateral aspect of the tongue, which is pink to red in color. The patient will often find it tough to eat or swallow as a result of the lesion. Involvement of the throat and esophagus leads to symptoms of dysphagia and odynophagia, first to solids, and then in later stages to liquids also. Swelling of lymph nodes presenting as lumps in the neck will often occur in later stages of cancer.

Nasopharynx

Persons who have SCC of this region seldom have any known risk factors. It is usually caused by infection with Epstein-Barr virus.

Presentation : This patient presented with symptoms from the mass effect of the tumor. Symptoms included nasal discharge, bleeding from the nose, and nasal obstruction. Other complaints included ear infection, deafness, tinnitus, headache, and neck swelling.^[5]

Lungs

Persons who have SCC of lungs usually have the following risk factors in their history;

• Therapeutic radiation (PUVA for psoriais)
• Tobacco smoking

Presentation : Persons who present with squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs typically do not present with pulmonary symptoms. However if the cancer is exophytic and occupies the bronchi, persistent cough, hemoptysis, and recurrent infections may be seen.

Penis

Persons who present with Squamous cell carcinoma of penis are most likely to have a history of;

• Pre-malignant lesions (Bowen’s disease, Condyloma , Warts)
• Smoking and tobacco chewing

Presentation : Unhealed lesions and subtle indurations may be the intial presentation. Warts can often be a predisposing factor, and large warts can lead to infection and necrosis, occasionally causing hemorrhage.

others

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