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Squamous Cell Carcinoma is one of the 4 main types of Lung Cancer and overall lung cancer is one of the leading cause of death in both men and women.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma occurs in approximately 30% of the cases of Lung Cancer.

Squamous cells are generally found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin

Can also be found in the lining of the hollow organs of the body and the lining of the digestive tract.

When this cell type is found in the lungs it is considered lung cancer.

Often a mass is found that initiates near the central part of the lungs – Right or Left that begins in the Bronchus.

There are associated findings that are described as cavitation and necrosis.

One of the primary symptom seen is coughing of blood (Hemoptysis).

This type of Cancer can be diagnosed by analyzing the sputum of an individual.

Can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) such as lymph nodes.

4 main types account for over 90% of Lung Cancers

1.  Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma
2.  Lung Adenocarcinoma
3.  Large Cell Lung Carcinoma
4.  Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Cause/ Risk Factors

• The primary cause of this cancer is smoking
• Family history
• Second hand smoke exposure
• Radon exposure
• Asbestos exposure
• Exposure to certain minerals
• Metal dust.

Symptoms:

• Cough
• Sputum [Blood and/or mucus]
• Shortness of Breath
• Wheezing
• Dyspnea
• Weight Loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing  [Dysphagia]
• Asthenia –  lack or loss of strength, weakness
• Seizures
• Change in voice
• Nausea
• Headache

Diagnosis

X-ray

Chest CT

Sputum examination

Treatment:

Treatment is unlikely without resection – but not all individuals can handle surgery

Stage I and II – surgery is a possibility

Stage IIIA –  has very limited success with surgery alone

Stage IIIB –  requires combo of chemotherapy and radiation

Stage IV  –  is palliative or symptom therapy with little shown success with regards to curative

Chemotherapy:

• Cisplatin   (Platinol)
• Camptosar
  
• Camptothecin
• Carboplatin  (Paraplatin)
• Epirubicin
• Etoposide
  
• Taxol  (Paclitaxal)
• Topotecan  (Hycamtin)