How to differentiate squamous cell carcinoma from basal cell carcinoma

Skin cancer is divided into squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, and the symptoms, sites of onset, and metastasis of the two are slightly different.

Squamous cell carcinoma

The disease is often transformed from keratosis, leukoplakia and precancerous diseases. It grows quickly and forms ulcers in the early stage. Some are nodular or cauliflower-shaped, with less invasion into the deep part and a movable base; some are butterfly-shaped, with more obvious infiltration into the deep part, great destructiveness, and often involving bones. Squamous cell carcinoma is often accompanied by purulent infection, accompanied by malodor and pain. Regional lymph node metastasis is common. The site of onset is the junction of the mucosa and skin. Squamous cell carcinoma develops fastest, and those with mucosal onset are more likely to metastasize.

Basal cell carcinoma

There are often no symptoms at the onset. In the early stage, there are mostly hard plaque-like papules with a hard base, some of which are wart-like protrusions, and then they break down into ulcers, which are irregular, with raised edges, like craters, and uneven bottoms, and grow slowly. Metastasis is very rare, and the ulcers are shallowly ulcerated with translucent nodules on the edges, which then gradually expand and can erode surrounding tissues and organs, becoming erosive ulcers.

Comparison between the two: The age of onset of squamous cell carcinoma is generally between 30 and 50 years old, while basal cell carcinoma is more common in people over 50 years old. The former develops quickly and grows rapidly; the latter is slow. Squamous cell carcinoma is prone to occur on the lower lip, tongue, nose, vulva, and is often found at the junction of the skin and mucous membranes. The ulcer has a high edge, is red and hard, and is ring-shaped and cauliflower-like in appearance. The surrounding inflammatory reaction is significant, and there are often regional lymphadenopathy. Basal cell carcinoma is prone to occur in the eye socket, inner canthus, nose, cheek, forehead, and back of the hand; the ulcer edge is waxy, nodular, and rolled up, the inflammatory reaction is mild or absent, and metastasis is very rare, mainly infiltrating into deep tissues.