Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin laboratory findings

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]

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is most often caused by long term exposure to the sun, and other certain risk factors. No specific laboratory tests are indicated for the diagnosis, as physical exam and biopsy are the primary means of diagnosis. Histopathological evaluation of the biopsy specimen stands out to be the most important diagnostic test.

• No specific laboratory tests are required for the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Routine blood tests are performed as part of the complete evaluation, including a complete blood count and serum electrolytes.

• Liver function tests will help to determine if there is metastatic spread to the liver.
• Blood gas analysis and pulmonary function testing may be helpful in cases of Squamous cell carcinoma of lungs, in addition to other imaging studies.
• Another important test to assess for paraneoplastic syndrome is a serum calcium, (as Squamos cell carcinoma of the lungs can cause hypercalcemia) and serum parathyroid hormones level.

Sputum Cytology

• SCC of the lung which is centrally located and exfoliates, will secrete cells that can be visualized on sputum cytology.

• Although sputum cytology is fast, easy, and economical it has a high false negative rate, and accuracy is highly dependent on storage, collection, number of samples, and the location of the tumor

• Further analysis may be needed by obtaining biopsy samples during bronchoscopy.

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