I recognize a squamous cell carcinoma by these symptoms
Since squamous cell carcinomas occur in different parts of the body, there are no general symptoms typical of squamous cell carcinoma. Depending on the affected organ, organ-typical symptoms may occur. It does not have to be a squamous cell carcinoma in this organ, other types of cancer are also possible.
Only in the course of further examinations can a distinction be made as to whether it is actually a squamous cell carcinoma or not.In the lung, squamous cell carcinomas do not initially cause any specific symptoms. Therefore, lung carcinomas are often detected very late. They lead to general complaints such as coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain.
In the late stages, blood may also be expelled from the lungs. The same problem also exists with cancer of the esophagus. Uncharacteristic symptoms here are difficulty swallowing, weight loss and pain behind the breastbone and in the back.
Squamous cell carcinomas of the skin do not primarily cause symptoms. They are only noticeable by their appearance on the skin. If they are positioned in places such as the lip, they can be very annoying and unpleasant.
Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma
The therapy depends on the stage and localization of the tumor. By default, the tumor must be surgically removed for healing. In lung cancer, the tumor must be surgically removed.
In addition, lymph nodes near the tumor, which may have been infiltrated by the tumor, are also removed. Furthermore, chemotherapy and radiation are administered after surgery to prevent recurrence of the tumor. Even if the lung cancer cannot be removed during surgery because the tumor is already too advanced, chemotherapy and, in certain cases, additional radiation is administered to prolong life and alleviate possible symptoms.
In squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, the affected part of the esophagus is also radically removed. In the case of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, the spinalioma, simple local removal is often sufficient. Larger tumors, however, require more complex surgery with reconstruction of removed skin areas.
For carcinomas of the nose, the same therapy is used as for spinaliomas. Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Here, 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy with two drugs are administered at intervals of three weeks.
If the squamous cell carcinoma is no longer curable, chemotherapy is adjusted individually. Chemotherapy is also used as standard for cancer of the esophagus. Chemotherapy can also be used before surgical removal of the tumor to reduce the size of the tumor and thus facilitate surgery.
In the case of skin cancer and nasal cancer, chemotherapy is only carried out if metastases are present or if the cancer is inoperable. Radiation therapy is also a standard treatment for lung cancer. In this case, the chest cavity is irradiated.
The aim is to hit the places where the tumor may have spread. In esophageal cancer, skin cancer and tongue cancer, radiation can be used as a complementary therapy or as an alternative to chemotherapy. These articles may also be of interest to you:
- Treatment by radiotherapy
- Behavior during radiotherapy
