What is the life expectancy of squamous cell cancer?

If we choose the correct way to say it, the survival rate of squamous skin cancer is high- when detected early, the five-year survival rate is 99 per cent. Even if the squamous cell carcinoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgery and radiation treatment can treat cancer effectively. Although the patient is recovered from the SCC, lifelong monitoring is recommended for early detection.

Understand squamous cell carcinoma and the factors that can affect its recovery. You will learn what to do after detecting skin cancer like squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma And Factors Leading To It

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds. Other factors leading to SCC are:

• People having fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair are more likely to develop this type of skin cancer.
• Repeated exposure to the sun can damage skin cells and make skin more sensitive.
• The risk of getting SCC increases with age.
• If you are often getting tanning beds then you are increasing your chances of getting skin cancer.
• If you have a family history of skin cancer then you are more likely to develop it.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Life Expectancy

If you detect the squamous cell carcinoma early, your healthcare provider will start with the treatment and the survival rates will be higher with a five-year survival rate of 99%. However, this rate will decrease if the cancer cells progress. The overall prognosis depends on the following factors:

Location Of The Cancer

The location of cancer can decide the survival rate. Cancer on the face, scalp, finger or in any open wound is more likely to spread.

Size Of The Tumour

Larger tumours can become worse to treat because they are more likely to spread to other body parts or come back after the treatment. In SCC the risk of spread increases if the size is thicker than 2 millimetres.

Depth

The depth of the skin cancer can affect prognosis because thicker tumours have a high risk of spreading and the more deep the tumour grows the more difficult it becomes to treat it.

Immune System’s Strength

An individual’s immune system strength decides the effectiveness of the treatment. If the immune system is disturbed then it will allow skin cancer to grow within and become worse. Some people may develop immune responses that can control or eliminate cancer.

The Type Of Treatment

Treatment is suggested to individuals as per the tumour’s growth, depth and size. Based on the stage of skin cancer and your overall health the treatment options may vary.

Your healthcare professional may conduct a biopsy, skin lesion removal, radiation therapy or topical treatments as per the condition of the cancer and your health.

How To Improve Life Expectancy After Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Early detection of SCC will eventually improve your chances of survival. Other ways can help you improve your life expectancy after SCC:

Regular Exams

Regular examination of the skin includes getting a professional check-up at least once a year and performing monthly self-examinations. You can check your skin at home with the help of a mirror and a partner. Look for different or new spots. Check existing spots or moles and notice their size, shape and colour.

Avoiding Sun

The biggest red flag is excessive exposure to the sun. Take care while stepping out in the sun. You must wear sunscreen, shades or other protective gear while going out. If possible, avoid the sun as much as you can.

Avoid Tanning Beds

The ultraviolet radiation of tanning beds is equally responsible for SCC as the sun. Limit the use of indoor tanning beds.

Attending Follow-up Appointments

Visit your healthcare professional for a check-up because early detection plays an important role in treatment, especially in skin cancer. You will eventually increase survival rates if the cancer is detected and treated early.

There are simple ways to increase life expectancy and promote a healthy lifestyle for skin cancer patients. All you need is to avoid the sun and tanning beds and attend regular examinations.

Conclusion

Skin cancer like squamous cell carcinoma can be a threat for people who step out in the sun more often without any protection like sunscreen. The survival rates of squamous cell carcinoma are high if detected early. The healthcare provider can recommend treatment options according to the health condition, stage of the cancer and the location of the cancer.
Many people got the right treatment at the right time and increased their life expectancy. Procedures like skin lesion removal, biopsy and radiation therapy are effective in treating squamous skin cancer or other skin cancer types.