How is basal cell carcinoma different from squamous cell carcinoma?

How is basal cell carcinoma different from squamous cell carcinoma?

Though this form of skin cancer is not usually life-threatening, one major difference between basal cell and squamous cell cancers is that squamous cell cancer are more likely to grow deeper into the layers of your skin and spread to other parts of the body.

What’s worse squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma?

Though not as common as basal cell (about one million new cases a year), squamous cell is more serious because it is likely to spread (metastasize).

What is the difference between basal cell and squamous cell?

Both Basal and Squamous Cells are found in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Squamous Cells are located in the outermost part of the skin. These cells constantly shed and new ones form in their place. Basal Cells are found in the lower part of the epidermis.

Which grows faster basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Growth Rate: Squamous cell cancers, while still slow-growing, are known to grow more rapidly than basal cell cancers. And, unlike basal cell cancers, there is an increased risk of squamous cell cancers spreading to other areas of the body – like the local lymph system – if left untreated.

What can be confused with basal cell carcinoma?

To help put things into perspective here are 5 skin conditions that are often mistaken for skin cancer:

• Psoriasis.
• Seborrheic Keratoses (Benign tumour)
• Sebaceous hyperplasia.
• Nevus (mole)
• Cherry angioma.

Can squamous cell carcinoma spread to the brain?

Squamous cell carcinomas are defined as relatively slow-growing malignant (cancerous) tumors that can spread (metastasize) to surrounding tissue if left untreated. Squamous cell carcinoma may spread to the sinuses or skull base, or other areas of the brain.

Can basal cell carcinoma turn into squamous cell carcinoma?

One type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells, which make skin cells that continuously push older cells toward the surface. As new cells move upward, they become flattened squamous cells, where a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma can occur.

Does squamous cell carcinoma spread to brain?

What triggers squamous cell carcinoma?

Most squamous cell carcinomas of the skin result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or from tanning beds or lamps. Avoiding UV light helps reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and other forms of skin cancer.

What are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma?

Symptoms

• A firm, red nodule.
• A flat sore with a scaly crust.
• A new sore or raised area on an old scar or ulcer.
• A rough, scaly patch on your lip that may evolve to an open sore.
• A red sore or rough patch inside your mouth.
• A red, raised patch or wartlike sore on or in the anus or on your genitals.