Spotting Squamous Cell Carcinoma Early from a Memphis Dermatologist

by Cordova Dermatologist George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (08/04/2024)

Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with a patient — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury

Skin Cancer, including Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Skin Carcinoma, and Melanoma, takes the lives of upwards of 20,000 Americans every year. That’s one person about every 26 minutes. Fortunately, skin growths should be visible, and detectable early, and early detection can lead to early treatment, saving lives. Let’s take a look at tips and clues that Dermatologists like myself use to diagnose Skin Cancer early, my Memphis Dermatology practice having been with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, Cordova, TN, since 1993 (1-901-753-0168; 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018; www.Rheumderm.com/dermatology).

Skin Cancer detection involves looking at your skin closely — Detecting Squamous Cell Carcinoma involves a Skin Cancer Screening

First, you’ve got to look for it to detect Skin Cancer. Many lives are saved by a concerned family member who inspects a loved one, detecting a changing growth or mole and getting the patient to prompt medical attention. So to spot a suspicious growth early, you do need to get your family members pretty much naked, for a routine home inspection, because skin cancer can occur on all parts of the body.

Sun protection is the first step in avoiding Skin Cancer — Skin Cancer affects not only blondes and redheads but also brunettes

Years ago, we Dermatologists taught that certain people were “high risk” for skin cancer: redheads, blonds, those who freckle easily, or those who love the sun or who have a history of severe sunburns. “Low risk” people were those who routinely wear sunscreen, avoid the sun and tanning salon bulbs, or people who tan easily. But we now realize that really everyone’s at risk of skin cancer. In fact, African-Americans tend to be diagnosed much later, leading to a higher fatality rate!

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also called Squamous Cell Skin Cancer — Squamous Cell Carcinoma often presents with a scabbed or crusted lesion

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is one of the most common types of Skin Cancer, affecting over 400,000 Americans each year. Dermatologists estimate that it leads to over 9,000 fatalities a year. So what do you watch for? What features of a growth or mole cause higher concern, and might lead you to bring this skin lesion to the attention of a Board-certified Dermatologist?

Melanoma often presents as a skin growth with multiple shades or colors — Melanoma is a common type of Skin Cancer

Look for what we call the A, B, C, D, E warning signs of Skin Cancer and Melanoma:

A stands for Asymmetry: one half of the lesion does not match the other half.

B stands for Border: a jagged border, perhaps like the coast of Maine, rather than of Florida.

C stands for Color change: different hues of brown or black within the lesion, or one mole that’s a darker color than the person’s other moles.

D stands for an increasing Diameter of the lesion

E stands for Evolving: if the lesion is changing, it’s best to bring it to the attention of a Dermatologist.

Skin Cancer can occur on any part of the body — Dermatologist doing a Skin Cancer Screening

The telltale feature of a Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a crusted or scabbed, red or sore skin growth, usually on sun-exposed parts of the body. Dermatologist prefer to detect these lesions before they start becoming painful and bleeding.

The most common location for Melanoma in men is on their backs — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury doing a Skin Cancer Screening

We know what action to take for suspicious moles or growths: if caught early, generally a Dermatologic Surgeon like myself will use a simple removal, or “excision” of the lesion under local anesthetic. If the lesion turns out to be a precancerous lesion – such as a high-risk atypical mole – or perhaps a severely atypical solar keratosis or actinic keratosis - or a full-fledged skin cancer - we often try to ensure that the lesion is completely out – by doing what’s called a “reexcision.”

Skin Cancer Screening involves getting inspected for skin growths — Dermatologist doing a Skin Cancer Screening

Mohs Surgery – available in my own practice as a Memphis Dermatologist since 2004 – is a special technique in which the Skin Cancer is cut out – and then processed right in the office – to check whether the borders of the specimen removed are clear of cancer or not. If those borders are not clear, we can then do a further stage or cycle or Mohs surgery to check once again for clear borders.

Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury counseling a patient — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury couseling a patient

My own Memphis Dermatology practice these last 30 years has been with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, in Cordova, TN (1-901-753-0168; https://www.Rheumderm.com). Or you can find a “Dermatologist Near Me” or “Best Dermatologist Near Me” by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site, AAD.org, then simply plugging your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.

Melanoma can become metastatic or spread if not caught early — Scarlet Akins was diagnosed with Melanoma at age 26

For more helpful tips and photos of Skin Cancer and Melanoma, go to the Skin Cancer Foundation website: https://www.skincancer.org. Or check out a short video on Youtube sponsored by my Memphis Dermatology practice, on the story of Scarlet Akins, a 26 year old woman studying to be a teacher at Ole Miss. Scarlet was diagnosed with Melanoma when about seven months’ pregnant: “Understanding the Melanoma Crisis, Scarlet’s Story.”

Big River Silk Skincare manufactures Glycolic Acid Alpha Hydroxy Acid — President of Big River Silk Skincare Dr. George Woodbury

I am also President of Big River Silk Skincare Inc, manufacturer and distributor of organic skincare products, including our antiwrinkle cream: GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion, with Alpha Hydroxy Acid Glycolic Acid. GlycoShea is helpful for improving the appearance of fine lines in the skin, and in improving skin color, texture, and tone. We also manufacture HypoShea Moisturizer Cream, a Refined Shea Butter moisturizer for people with sensitive skin, for babies, and for seniors. Check us out at www.Bigriversilkskinare.com.