Derm: Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)🎧 A high-yield breakdown of this common but potentially serious skin cancer – essential for MSRA prep and clinical practice.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• SCC is a malignant tumour of squamous cells in the epidermis.• It is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer and has metastatic potential.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Chronic UV radiation exposure ☀️• Fair skin, older age, male gender• Immunosuppression (e.g. transplant patients, HIV)• Chronic inflammation (old burns, scars, ulcers)• Exposure to arsenic or past radiotherapy• Premalignant lesions (actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease)• Genetic conditions (xeroderma pigmentosum, albinism)💡 Mnemonic: "SUN BURN" – Sun, Ulcers, Neoplasia in situ (Bowen's), Burns, UV, Radiotherapy, Nevus (genetic)📌 Pathophysiology• UV-induced DNA mutations → dysregulated squamous cell growth• Tumour invades dermis, then lymphatics or blood → local/distant spread• Risk factors amplify mutation accumulation📌 Symptoms• Firm, red nodule or scaly ulcer that won’t heal• Can bleed easily, ulcerate or crust over• Typically found on sun-exposed areas: face, ears, lips, scalp, hands• May arise from actinic keratosis or Bowen’s disease📌 Differential Diagnosis• Keratoacanthoma• Basal cell carcinoma (pearly appearance)• Amelanotic melanoma• Actinic keratosis• Pyogenic granuloma• Warts or chronic verrucae (esp. periungual)📌 Diagnosis• Clinical suspicion + histological confirmation via biopsy• Excisional or punch biopsy preferred• Imaging (CT/MRI) if deep invasion suspected• Always refer suspected cases via 2-week wait pathway📌 Management• Surgical excision with clear margins (4–6mm depending on size)• Mohs surgery for high-risk or cosmetically sensitive areas• Cryotherapy or curettage for superficial lesions• Radiotherapy if surgery contraindicated• Topical 5-FU or Imiquimod for SCC in situ (Bowen’s disease)• MDT involvement for advanced or recurrent disease📌 Complications• Local invasion (e.g. lip, eye, cartilage, bone)• Perineural spread (causing pain or numbness)• Lymphatic or haematogenous metastasis (lungs, liver, brain)• Cosmetic disfigurement, post-surgical scarring📌 Prognosis• Excellent with early diagnosis and complete excision• Poorer outcomes if: lesion >20mm, depth >2–4mm, poor differentiation, perineural invasion, immunosuppressed, lip/ear site• Most recurrences within first 2 years – regular follow-up vital📎 More MSRA Resources for Squamous Cell Carcinoma📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/squamous-cell-carcinoma-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/squamous-cell-carcinoma-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/squamous-cell-carcinoma-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/squamous-cell-carcinoma-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/dermatology-for-the-msra/#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialtyRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #SquamousCellCarcinoma