May is skin cancer awareness month. Over the last few days we talked about melanoma and basal cell cancer ( BCC).

Today let’s talk another type of skin cancer; squamous cell cancer (SCC).
Skin cancers are divided into melanoma skin cancers (about 10%) and non-melanoma skin cancers (90%).

SCC is a non-melanoma skin cancer and originates from a DNA mutation in the very top most layer of the skin called the epidermis.

People at risk include those with fair hair, fair eyes and fair skin, those with outdoor occupations and those with long-term sun exposure and those people on immuno suppressant drugs.

They can look different; they can look like little bumps, like little scabs, like shallow ulcers in the skin, so if you have any thing on the skin that’s not healing, do see a medical doctor to get a diagnosis .

This could include a biopsy which is taking a tiny sample of the skin problem.

Treatment options include removal under local anaesthetic, freezing it, or using cream versions of chemotherapy medications.

Prevention includes wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30+, seeking shade during hot parts of the day, wearing sunglasses and sun hats and avoiding sunburn, and avoiding sunbeds.

Eithne

For a consultation with Dr Brenner at our Citywest Dublin clinic, use the booking link:  https://partner.pabau.com/online-bookings/dreithnebrenner  or call us on 01 960 2277 or email at: info@dreithnebrenner.ie