SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer.
It primarily affects fair-skinned, blue-eyed people and particularly the
elderly.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Description
SCC is a malignant tumor of squamous cells and can
be found in many parts of the body. SCC of the skin developments from
keratinocytes, the type of squamous cells that synthesize the protective
keratin of the epidermis.
Squamous cell carcinomas usually occurs in areas of
previously sun-damaged skin and at sites of sun-induced actinic keratoses or
sun (sun spots). Its appearance is more varied than Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC),
it grows faster and can metastasize (spread to other tissues of the body) if
left untreated, making it more dangerous than BCC.
SCC is typically a red, scaling, well-defined
plaque. It can ever spread into the deeper surrounding tissues.
Invasive SCCs involve the lower dermis and
subcutaneous fat and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several
centimetres in diameter. Sometimes they grow quickly, but more commonly grow
slowly over months or years. Unlike BCCs, they may be tender. Some SCCs have
the appearance of sores that do not heal.
Many SCC's develop from solar keratoses, small
scaly patches often found on the face, bald scalp, ears, hands and forearms of
fair-skinned people.
SCC may also develop in burn scars and longstanding
leg ulcers. Oral SCCs are often due to cigarette smoking.
Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
of the Skin
As with all skin cancers, allopathic medical
practice is to confirm SCC by biopsy.
Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma depends on the
size of the tumor, its location, and other factors such as if it has
metastasized.
Treatment options include:
·
curettage (scraping off tissue with
an instrument), with or without electrodessication. (Electrodessication uses an
electric spark to destroy tissue)
·
cryosurgery (free burning with liquid
nitrogen)
·
surgery (excision)
·
Moh's micrographic surgery
·
radiation treatment
·
chemotherapy
ACTINIC KERATOSES (or SOLAR
KERATOSES)
Solar keratoses are premalignant disorders of the
epidermis and are increasingly common. They are small, dry, scaly lesions
commonly found on the parts of the body most often exposed to the sun – the
face, head, backs of hands, and sometimes the lip (actinic cheilitis).
As with BCC and SCC, chronic sun exposure is the
cause of actinic keratoses.
What happens if solar keratoses are left untreated?
Approximately 2 to 5% of actinic keratoses may develop malignant cells and
become skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
Treatment
Conventional treatment is free burning with liquid
nitrogen. For widespread areas a topically applied cream containing
5-fluorouracil (trade name Efudex) may be used for several weeks. Fluorouracil
is a chemotherapy drug that is applied to the skin. It works by interfering
with DNA synthesis.
The unpleasant side-effects of fluorourcil which
are reddening and flaking of the skin with burning and itching symptoms may
outweigh the benefits as this cream can be effective in clearing up widespread
solar keratoses.
However it is worth being aware that it is a chemo
drug that affects your DNA. Rarely questioned by doctors, Efudex should not be
used by people with a deficiency of the enzyme dihyropyrimidine dehydrogenase
(DPD). Current research shows that 8% of people have at least a partial
weakness in this enzyme. Potential for DNA damage is the concern.
But did you know there are other methods of
treatment that can help? There are other tested and proven natural substances
that can remove SCC and other skin cancer.
For example, bloodroot ( Sanguinaria
canadensis). This is the root of a plant that is used as a topical
application. Many practitioners do not know how it works. I have even read
articles from experts who claim that the mode of action is unknown. However,
research shows that it works by disabling the mitochondria which is the power
house of the cancer cell. This effect is substantial on the cancer cell, but
does not have the same result on healthy tissue. Regardless of how it works,
bloodroot most certainly, and quickly, breaks down a skin cancer tumor. You can
heal skin cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma safely using this substance
and the correct method.
What happens is very quick; little 'dots' of dead
white tissue appear, literally overnight. Then an area of necrosed tissue forms over the following few days.
Once applications are stopped, this area dries up, forms a scab and falls off,
leaving pink, healthy, new tissue underneath. All that then needs to be done is
to encourage healing as with any minor wound.
Comments
Post a Comment