New York, NY (December 19, 2006) - With the announcement from the White House that First Lady Laura Bush recently had a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) removed, one of the world's most prevalent cancers is suddenly very much in the public consciousness. The second most common skin cancer, it afflicts more that 200,000 Americans each year and claims as many as 2,500 lives a year.

"First Lady Laura Bush was fortunate because it was detected and treated very early," said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. "Left untreated, SCCs eventually penetrate the underlying tissues and can be disfiguring. And in some cases, they metastasize to distant tissues and organs and can become fatal."

What Causes It

Most cases of SCC are caused by chronic exposure to sunlight. SCC arises from the epidermis and resembles the squamous cells that comprise most of the upper layers of skin. SCCs may occur on all areas of the body, but are most common in areas exposed to the sun, such as Mrs. Bush's ankle.

Lesions may also occur where skin has suffered certain kinds of injury, burns, scars, infections, or long-standing sores, as well as at sites previously exposed to x-rays or certain chemicals. In addition, chronic skin inflammation or medical conditions that suppress the immune system over an extended period of time may encourage the development of SCC. In some cases, SCC arises on what appears to be normal, healthy, undamaged skin. Some researchers believe that a tendency to develop this cancer may sometimes be inherited.

Who Gets It

Anyone with a substantial history of sun exposure can develop SCC, but people who have fair skin, light hair and blue, green or gray eyes — such as First Lady Laura Bush — are at higher risk.

How It Is Treated

After a physician's examination, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis of SCC. This involves removing a piece of the affected tissue and examining it under a microscope. If tumor cells are present, treatment (usually surgery) is required.

There are several effective ways to eradicate SCC. The choice of treatment is based on the type, size, location and depth of penetration of the tumor as well as the patient's age and general state of health.

Treatment can almost always be performed on an outpatient basis in a physician's office or at a clinic. A local anesthetic is used during most procedures. Pain or discomfort is usually minimal with most techniques, and there is rarely much pain afterwards.

Will it Recur?

Anyone who has had one SCC has an increased chance of developing another. That is because the damage the skin has already received from the sun cannot be reversed. Having had a basal cell carcinoma (the most common form of skin cancer) also makes it more likely that an SCC will develop, because both types of skin cancer are usually caused by excessive sun exposure. Even though an SCC has been carefully removed, another may arise in the same place or nearby. Such recurrences typically occur within the first two years after surgery. Should the cancer recur, the physician may recommend a different type of treatment the second time.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has just published a new book on SCC called Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What You Need to Know. Click here to order.

About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. For more information about skin cancer and to learn more about how to protect your skin, visit www.skincancer.org, or call 1-800-SKIN-490.