What is cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC)?
cSCC is a common form of skin cancer that develops in squamous skin cells that make up the middle (dermis) and outer (epidermis) layers of the skin. The majority of cSCC develops as a result of long-term and prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or from tanning beds or lamps. Consequently, cSCC is usually found on areas of the body exposed to UV rays such as the face, neck and the backs of the hands.
Your skin has 3 layers. Each layer plays an important role and function in your body.
- The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. It provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.
- The dermis is below the epidermis and contains hair follicles, sweat glands and tough connective tissues.
- The subcutaneous tissue is below the dermis and is made of fat and connective tissue.
About Each Layer
Epidermis: The epidermis is the thin top layer of skin you can see. Several cell types make up the epidermis. Cells are the tiny, microscopic building blocks that make up tissues, such as skin. Melanocytes are pigment cells in the bottom of the epidermis.
They make melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour. When your skin is exposed to UV light, melanocytes make more melanin to try to protect your body from damaging radiation.
Dermis: The dermis is a thick layer below the epidermis. The dermis contains several types of cells and structures:
• Blood vessels carry nutrients and oxygen to your skin and remove waste products.
• Lymph vessels return blood plasma (the liquid part of blood) from your tissues to your heart.
• Sweat glands make sweat that helps to cool your body.
• Sebaceous glands make sebum, an oily substance that helps protect skin from drying out.
• Connective tissue surrounds these structures and holds them in place. It also allows your skin to stretch.
• Hair follicles make your hair.
Subcutaneous tissue: is beneath the dermis and:
• Attaches skin to the muscle underneath.
• Contains connective tissue and fat that stores energy andbody heat.
• Absorbs shock to protect your body
Why Early Detection Matters
When cSCC is found very early and only in the epidermis, it is called cSCC in situ. It may also be called Bowen’s disease or intraepidermal cSCC. The good news is it is much easier to treat effectively at this early stage. When cSCC is caught early and removed, over 90% of people are cured, and it rarely spreads to other distant areas of the body. So it is a cancer that is relatively easy to treat.
However, cSCC in situ may spread and become invasive if not treated. This means that the cancer can grow into nearby tissue or deeper layers of skin.