Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (PEK):

  • Inconspicuous, usually skin-colored hyperkeratotic (“highly keratinizing”) papules (nodules) and plaques (areal or squamous substance proliferation of the skin), usually covered with adherent scaling; development into a raised hard tumor by an inflammatory reaction; also possible is a flat ulcer (ulcer) with a raised marginal mound; the tumor is usually yellow-brown in color; it is easily vulnerable but not painful. Note: In dedifferentiation, the tumor may also be erosive and weeping.
  • Advanced primary tumors (= advanced squamous cell carcinoma) may present as:
    • Ulcerated (“ulcerated”) node, possibly caked with surrounding structures.
    • Exophytic tumor ( “growing beyond a surface”).
  • Emptying of horn masses is possible

Note: Highly differentiated tumors exhibit smooth surfaces!

Localization

  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin occurs mainly in light-exposed areas (90% of cases) such as the face, ears and lower lip, as well as forearms and the back of the hands.
  • Occurrence on the mucous membranes (oral cavity and tongue; gential area); often difficult to diagnose in the intial stage; much higher risk of metastasis (formation of daughter tumors).
  • The 5 most common localizations of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (PEK).
    • Capillitium (hairy scalp) 19%.
    • Forehead 10 %
    • Ear 10 %
    • Preauricular (“in front of the ear”) 11 %.
    • Back 10 %
  • Sex-specific localizations of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (PEK) (listed the sex more affected in each case).
    • Men
      • Capillitium 25.5
      • Ear 13.83 %
      • Retroauricular (“behind the ear”) 2.17 %.
    • Women
      • Eye 23.24 %
      • Nose 21.58 %
      • Cheek 17.19 %
      • Lower leg 8.3
      • Lip 7.71 %
      • Forehead 11.95

Note: Bacterial colonization and superinfection can lead to an overlay of the clinical picture.