What is Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare and aggressive type of cancer, primarily affecting the oral cavity. Commonly, it targets areas such as the palate, gums, floor of the mouth, and tongue, but it can also involve the skin and other parts of the body. BSCC tends to spread and recur more easily than traditional squamous cell carcinoma.
Patients with BSCC have a 3-year survival rate of about 79.8%, which is higher than the 65.1% survival rate seen in patients with standard squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer typically affects men over the age of 60.
Causes of Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Several risk factors contribute to the development of BSCC, including:
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV-16
- Chronic oral irritation and poor dental hygiene
Other contributing factors include genetic predisposition and previous exposure to radiation.
Signs and Symptoms
Patients with BSCC may experience the following symptoms:
- A solid, irregular lump or mass, typically in the mouth, tongue, or throat
- Non-healing sores or ulcers in the mouth
- Pain or discomfort when swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing, particularly when the mouth or throat is affected
- Swollen lymph nodes, indicating the cancer may have spread to nearby areas
- Bleeding from the tumour in advanced stages
- Unexplained weight loss as the cancer progresses
Diagnosis
BSCC is diagnosed using a combination of imaging and laboratory tests, including:
- Imaging techniques such as ultrasound (USG), CT scan, MRI, and X-rays to assess the tumour’s size, location, and spread
- CT scans to detect whether the cancer has metastasised to other parts of the body
- Biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for testing
- Tumour marker analysis for further evaluation
Treatment
The primary treatment for BSCC is surgical removal of the tumour with clear margins (healthy tissue surrounding the tumour). If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, they may also be surgically removed. Post-surgery, radiation therapy is often recommended to reduce the chances of recurrence.