C44.722

Clinical Causes: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds Chronic skin injuries or burns that do not heal properly Fair skin that burns easily and does not tan easily Previous history of skin cancer Weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive treatments Exposure to carcinogenic substances like arsenic or certain chemicals Presence of precancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratosis

Key Symptoms: Thick, scaly, or crusted skin lesions on the right lower limb or hip A persistent sore that does not heal Raised, firm nodules with a rough surface Pigmented or ulcerated areas on the skin Sore or ulcer that grows or bleeds over time Changes in skin appearance, such as color or texture Lumps or swelling in the affected area

Diagnosis Path: To diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, a healthcare professional will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the affected area. A biopsy is essential, where a small tissue sample from the suspicious lesion is removed and examined microscopically to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Additional tests, such as imaging scans, may be used to determine if the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, especially in advanced cases.

Treatment Protocols: Surgical excision, where the tumor and some surrounding healthy skin are removed Mohs micrographic surgery, a precise technique that removes the cancer layer by layer while preserving healthy tissue Cryotherapy, using extreme cold to destroy cancer cells Radiation therapy, which employs high-energy rays to target residual cancer cells in cases where surgery isn't feasible Topical medications or creams containing chemotherapy agents for superficial lesions Systemic therapies, such as targeted drugs or immunotherapy, in advanced or metastatic cases