Cosmetic Surgeon - California Cosmetic Surgeon - San Francisco Cosmetic SurgeonCalifornia Cosmetic Surgeon - Jeffrey H. Binstock, M.D. is a San Francisco cosmetic surgeon that practices a variety of cosmetic procedures.

SAN FRANCISCO		MILL VALLEY
22 Battery Street, Suite 905 San Francisco, CA 94111 415.956.8686		535 Miller Avenue Mill Valley, CA 94941 415.383.5475

Skin Cancer - Squamous Cell Carcinoma

THE SECOND MOST COMMON SKIN CANCER

Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma, afflicts more than 100,000 Americans each year. It arises from the epidermis and resembles the squamous cells that comprise most of the upper layers of skin. Squamous cell cancers may occur on all areas of the body including the mucous membranes, but are most common in areas exposed to the sun.

Although squamous cell carcinomas usually remain confined to the epidermis for some time, they eventually penetrate the underlying tissues if not treated. In a small percentage of cases, they spread (metastasize) to distant tissues and organs. When this happens, they can he fatal. Squamous cell carcinomas that metastasize most often arise on sites of chronic inflammatory skin conditions or on the mucous membranes or lips.

WHAT CAUSES IT
Chronic exposure to sunlight causes most cases of squamous cell carcinoma. That is why tumors appear most frequently on sunexposed parts of the body: the face, neck, bald scalp, hands, shoulders, arms, and back. The rim of the ear and the lower lip are especially vulnerable to the development of these cancers.

Squamous cell carcinomas may also occur where skin has suffered certain kinds of injury: burns, scars, long-standing sores, sites previously exposed to X-rays or certain chemicalls (such as arsenic and petroleum by-products). In addition, chronic skin inflammation or medical conditions that suppress the immune system over an extended period of time may encourage development of squamous cell carcinoma.

Occasionally, squamous cell carcinoma arises spontaneously on what appears to be normal, healthy, undamaged skin. Some researchers believe that a tendency to develop this cancer may be inherited.

WHO GETS IT
Anyone with a substantial history of sun exposure can develop squamous cell carcinoma. But people who have fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are at highest risk. Those whose occupations require long hours outdoors or who spend extensive leisure time in the sun are in particular jeopardy.

Dark-skinned individuals of African descent are far less likely than fair-skinned individuals to develop skin cancer. More than two thirds of the skin cancers that they do develop, however, are squamous cell carcinomas, usually arising on the sites of preexisting inflammatory skin conditions or burn injuries.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
When detected early, squamous cell carcinomas are treatable and curable in the majority of cases. But the first and best line of defense against squamous cell carcinoma and other skin cancers is prevention. Be sure to make these sun safety habits part of your health care routines from now on:

Do not sunbathe.
Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the peak hours for harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
When outdoors, use sunscreens rated SPF10 or higher. Apply them liberally, uniformly, and frequently.
When exposed to sunlight, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, broad-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses.
Stay away from artificial tanning devices.
Teach your children good sun protection habits at an early age: The damage that leads to adult skill cancers starts in childhood.
Examine your skin head to toe at least once every three months.

Jeffrey H. Binstock, M.D.
SAN FRANCISCO	MILL VALLEY
415.956.8686	415.383.5475

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