Dorothy FarrarSpinalioma (squamous cell carcinoma)
One form of white skin cancer is the so-called spinalioma (squamous cell carcinoma), which is also known as spinalioma and is the second most common form of skin cancer. Year after year, the number of new skin cancers increases. In addition to the “black skin cancer” – malignant melanoma – there are numerous other skin cancers, which, however, are less aggressive. The doctors also speak of “white skin cancer”.
What is spinalioma (squamous cell carcinoma)?
Spinalioma (squamous cell carcinoma) is a malignant skin tumor that can occur predominantly on the skin and mucous membranes. Even if the “white skin cancer” is far less aggressive than the malignant melanoma – the black skin cancer – the spinalioma still represents a danger to the life of the person affected.
Typically, the skin tumor grows wart-like. Spinalioma has a very good prognosis. Especially if it is diagnosed in time. An advantage of spinalioma is the fact that it metastasizes very rarely, but still a destruction of muscle and bone tissue is possible.
Causes
The causes are mainly to be found in the fact that long sunbaths and intensive sun exposure promote the spinalioma. Thus, the skin cancer develops on the “sun terraces”, ie on skin areas that are mainly exposed to the sun.
These are, for example, the forehead, the ears, the backs of the hands or the nose. Sometimes a significant increase in skin cancer could be found in people who made intensive use of solarium baths. New studies have also indicated that HPV (human papillomaviruses) also promote skin cancer.
Symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of spinalioma (squamous cell carcinoma):
- Dander
- crusted skin
- Cornification
Classic symptoms are skin redness and skin changes reminiscent of dandruff or crusting spots. Furthermore, the patient notices cornification as well as nodules on his skin. Due to the fact that spinalioma is reminiscent of warts, many sufferers consult a doctor relatively late. Only very rarely does the carcinoma manifest itself as bronchial or lung carcinoma, but very often (more than 90 percent) as cervical or esophageal cancer.
Due to the fact that the spinalioma is reminiscent of a wart, it is quite rarely shown to the doctor. This is also because it does not cause pain. Due to the fact that it is also not reminiscent of the “black skin cancer”, the person concerned does not pay attention primarily to any bright changes, but primarily to dark birthmarks.
Spinalioma sufferers should have follow-up examinations carried out over a period of three to six months. Cancer follow-up should be maintained for about five years. Thus, it is possible that a return of the spinalioma can be ruled out or treated in time.
Diagnosis
The dermatologist recognizes relatively quickly whether it is a spinalioma or not. This is because typical skin changes occur. In order for the diagnosis to be confirmed, the physician takes a tissue sample. This provides information about whether a tumor is present. Unfortunately, the spinalioma can spread, which is why it is important that any secondary tumors (metastases) are also examined.
The physician palpates the lymph nodes or examines them using ultrasound. In order to rule out any distant metastases, for example in the lungs, an X-ray examination can be carried out subsequently. In some cases, a computed tomography of the lungs is also prescribed so that an infestation can be ruled out.
Treatment and therapy
If the spinalioma is detected and treated at an earlier stage, the chances of recovery are very good. The treatment of spinalioma depends primarily on where it occurred, whether any secondary ulcers are already present and what size the spinalioma has already reached. The physician mainly opts for surgical removal of the tumor.
If there are any changes in the lymph nodes or if it cannot be ruled out that there is an infestation here, they are also removed. If there is a problem that removal is not possible due to the spread and location of the spinalioma, the patient must undergo radiotherapy. Sometimes radiotherapy can be combined with chemotherapy. In many cases, chemo-immunotherapy is also used. Radiotherapy is useful, for example, if the carcinoma could only be partially removed or the lymph node is already affected.
If distant metastases have been diagnosed, the doctor decides with the person concerned which treatment method is chosen. These are life-prolonging measures that can be achieved either by surgery or radiation therapy. If the patient is already in an advanced stage, the doctor recommends chemotherapy. Above all, it is decided where the distant metastases are already present (e.g. whether they occurred as cervical or lung cancer).
Prevention
Due to the fact that spinalioma can develop as a result of intense exposure to the sun, long sunbathing and intensive visits to the solarium should be avoided. Anyone who enjoys sunbathing should protect their skin with various sunscreens. If there are any first skin changes, these should be medically clarified as soon as possible. Only those who visit the doctor in good time and clarify whether it is actually a spinalioma have very good chances of recovery.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.