Causes & Risk Factors Of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Bowen's Syndrome
Bowen's syndrome is a rare pre-cancerous condition of an individual's skin that causes the development of a gradually progressive plaque or red scaly patch on the skin. The cause of this syndrome is not clear, though extended sun exposure and age are known to play a significant role in its development. An individual affected by Bowden's syndrome is at a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. The skin lesions characteristic of Bowden's syndrome are red or brown, and they can be slightly raised or completely flat.
Some of these lesions may bleed, itch, crust over, ooze pus, and become tender. The lesions may fissure or split open, and they may also take on a verrucous or warty appearance. The lesion in Bowen's syndrome can develop anywhere on a patient's body, but the most common areas are on their legs, neck, head, and palms where the skin has been exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. An estimated ten percent of all Bowen's syndrome patients will go on to develop squamous cell carcinoma.
Weakened Immune System
Individuals who have a weakened immune system for any reason are more likely to develop cancers of the skin, including squamous cell carcinoma. A number of mechanisms can cause an individual to have a weakened immune system. Individuals who have been the recipient of a donor organ have to take drugs that suppress their immune system to prevent organ rejection. Some individuals are affected by diseases that compromise their immune systems, like HIV and AIDS. Some individuals have a condition that requires the use of corticosteroid medications and other immune-suppressing drugs to stop their immune system from attacking healthy tissues.
The human immune system contains some cells with the ability to detect and flag cancer cells as abnormal so other immune cells can destroy them. While the immune system does not always eradicate all pre-cancerous cells on its own, it does aid in helping prevent the growth of malignancy in general. An individual who does not have a healthy immune system is more susceptible to developing not only squamous cell carcinoma but any type of cancer.
