The skin is the largest organ in the body. Skin protects you from infection and injury. It also helps you retain water, controls your temperature, and it houses your fat and vitamin D. The skin is composed of many layers. However, the outer layer (epidermis) is where skin cancer starts. The squamous cells, located in the epidermis and the basal cells (directly under the squamous cells) are where most skin cancer is found. Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are nonmelanoma forms of skin cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Treatment of basal cell carcinoma is determined by location, depth and size. In early basal cell carcinoma, removal of the cancerous cells is the standard treatment. The surgeon will use a microscope while removing the cells to make sure he has removed all those that are cancerous. The surgeon will continue to remove layers of the skin until the cells are determined to be normal under the microscope. In some cases of early basal carcinoma, the cells are killed by using liquid nitrogen to freeze the tissue area.
(http://www.skincancer.org/bcc-treatment-options.html) Skin Cancer Foundation
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
When detected and treated in the early stages, squamous cell carcinoma is curable in most cases. Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is treated by removing the layers of cancerous tissues until the tissue, when viewed under a microscope, comes back clear of cancerous cells. In some cases of early squamous cell carcinoma, electrosurgery is used. In this procedure, a needle, and heat is used in order to kill the tumor. It may need to be repeated several times in order to effectively kill any remaining cancer cells. Cryosurgery may also be used. As in basal cell carcinoma, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the tissues. For more informations, visit skincancer.org/scc-treatment-options.
Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly curable. Both types of cancer can also be prevented. Particularly if you have fair skin, blue or green eyes, a family history of skin cancer, sunburn easily or have moles, take the following precautions. Wear sunscreen yearround, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., avoid tanning beds and tan-accelerating agents, and get regular skin exams, the Mayo Clinic urges.
Tags: cell carcinoma, squamous cell, basal cell, skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell
