Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer occurs inside the squamous cells that live inside organs and skin. 

Squamous cells are in the upper skin layers, where they help to shield the deeper layers of skin from damage. 

This type of cancer commonly occurs in people who don’t use proper sun protection. Squamous cell carcinoma can work its way into the deeper skin and eventually damage nerves, bone, and other tissues. This may be a fast or slow-growing cancer if ignored.

What does squamous cell carcinoma look like?

Squamous cell carcinoma frequently appears as:

• A firm red bump
• A scaly patch of skin
• A sore that breaks open, heals, and repeats the cycle

This type of cancer mainly appears in the parts of your skin that see the most sun, including the face, ears, neck, arms, back, and chest. 

How is squamous cell carcinoma treated?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin cancer, and requires treatment to prevent it from spreading and causing serious damage. Surgical removal is the most common approach for squamous cell carcinoma. There are a few different approaches to squamous cell carcinoma surgery, including: 

Excision

Excision involves surgical removal of the growth and some of the healthy skin surrounding it. 

Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery removes the cancerous cells in layers, taking only diseased tissue and leaving healthy tissue. This kind of surgery often addresses squamous cell carcinomas in your face, neck, hands, and other areas with limited tissue. It also helps to minimize scarring and preserve aesthetic appearance.

Curettage and electrodesiccation 

Curettage is the removal of the cancerous growth using a surgical scraping method. Then, electrodesiccation uses an electrode to deliver local heat that destroys lingering cancer cells in the nearby tissue.

Other approaches like radiation (usually alongside another treatment) or, rarely, cryosurgery (freezing the cancerous growth) may also be options for treating squamous cell carcinoma. 

Each person is different, so the team recommends the treatment that serves your needs the best while protecting you from long-term cancer complications.

If you have a skin growth that requires attention, reach out to Allan Mineroff, MD, PC, by phone, or use the online appointment maker to book your skin exam now.