Squamous Cell Carcinoma- Skin Cancer

When First Lady Laura Bush had a biopsy taken on a small sore on her right leg in October, it revealed that she was suffering from squamous cell carcinoma. A form of skin cancer that affects a fifth of a million Americans annually, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer behind basal cell carcinoma. The squamous cells are flat and scaly, located near the surface of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is caused mostly by exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, which is almost certainly how the First Lady developed her problem. Luckily, the squamous cell carcinoma on her leg was detected early and removed, and she is feeling no ill effects from the procedure.

Squamous cell carcinoma may occur in any older person who has a history of being out in the sun, especially if they are fair skinned. Those of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent are not as much at risk from squamous cell carcinoma, but this is not to say that they are immune to developing it. In addition to the sun, other causes of squamous cell carcinoma include the skin being exposed to certain chemicals such as petroleum by-products, the skin being injured as in burned or scarred, and the skin being exposed to forms of radiation. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur anywhere on the body, even the mucous membranes that line your mouth, but it usually shows up in an area that has been exposed to the sun. The squamous cells themselves are just below the surface of the first layer of skin known as the epidermis. They are constantly being shed and replaced by newer cells. But overexposure to ultraviolet light waves can alter the DNA of these skin cells, with the result being malignant cells that can grow out of control.