Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma
In general, there is a suspicion of squamous cell carcinoma due to typical symptoms and localization. Depending on the localization, various examinations are performed to establish the diagnosis. The reliable diagnosis of a squamous cell carcinoma is made by means of a biopsy.
In a biopsy, a small punch is used to remove some tissue, which is then examined under a microscope. Here a squamous cell carcinoma can then be clearly identified. However, a biopsy is not always necessary or possible.
Skin lesions can also be removed without a biopsy and only examined under the microscope afterwards. In the case of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, an x-ray of the lung and a CT scan are always performed for diagnosis to identify the tumor and its spread. A CT is also performed for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
An endosonography is also performed. Here, an ultrasound machine is used to examine the mucous membrane of the esophagus from within. This allows the extent of the tumor to be assessed.
Imaging examinations such as a CT or MRI are also necessary in the case of squamous cell carcinomas of the nose and oral cavity. Tumour markers are proteins or other body substances that are elevated in the blood when the tumour is detected. However, they can also be elevated by other diseases.
With few exceptions, tumor markers are never used to diagnose a tumor. Rather, they are used as progression parameters to assess the tumor process and the response to therapy. In lung cancer, however, tumor markers play no role. In esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, there is SCC.
Causes for the development
In general, carcinomas develop due to mutations, i.e. changes in DNA. The causes are very different and are often influenced by the individual genetic disposition. The DNA mutations can be triggered by many different influences, so-called risk factors.
These are very different depending on the organ. A major risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is smoking. Besides hard alcohol, smoking is also a widespread cause of cancer of the esophagus.
UV light is very damaging to the DNA. This is the main cause for the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Furthermore, the risk of developing cancer generally increases with age.
