Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the squamous cells that make up the outer and middle layers of your skin. Without early diagnosis and treatment, it can spread to other parts of the body, increasing the risk of severe complications.
This type of cancer can occur anywhere that squamous cells exist, but it’s especially common in areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun such as the scalp, neck, face, and arms.
Squamous cell carcinoma affects everyone differently, but common symptoms include:
- A sore or raised area on top of an old scar or ulcer
- A red sore inside the mouth
- A flat sore with a scaly crust
- A firm, red nodule
In some cases, squamous cell carcinoma causes a rough, wart-like bump to form. The easiest and most effective way to detect squamous cell carcinoma early is through regular skin checks. If you notice an unusual-looking mole or other growth, make an appointment at Annexus Dermatology & Aesthetics.
Squamous cell carcinoma affects people of all ages and genders, but there are factors that may increase your risk, including having fair skin, spending lots of time outside, and a history of skin cancer in your family.
You’re also more likely to experience squamous cell carcinoma if you have a weakened immune system or a rare genetic disorder like xeroderma pigmentosum, which causes extreme sensitivity to sunlight.
Annexus Dermatology & Aesthetics diagnoses squamous cell carcinoma by reviewing your medical history, asking about your symptoms and lifestyle, and physically examining your skin. Usually, visual observation alone is enough to make a diagnosis.
To confirm the diagnosis, your provider might recommend a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy removes a small sample of your skin that is sent to a laboratory for further testing and observation.
Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma typically involves one of two types of surgery:
Surgical excision: Surgical excision is an outpatient procedure that involves your Annexus Dermatology & Aesthetics provider carefully removing a cancerous lesion and a small portion of healthy surrounding tissue. Following the procedure, your provider looks at the healthy skin under a microscope to look for potentially cancerous cells.
Mohs surgery:
Mohs surgery is also an outpatient procedure. It involves your provider removing thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time. After the removal of each layer, your provider observes the skin under a microscope. Your provider repeats this process several times until there are no longer any cancerous cells present.
IG-SRT (Gentle Cure):
Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy uses ultrasound images to precisely target the cancerous area and deliver a low dose of radiation. This is a painless and non-surgical form of treatment. The ultrasound images also show the cancer shrinking after each treatment. Our Gentle Cure Team uses a multi-disciplinary approach to treat each patient’s individual case with care. Click here to learn more about Gentle Cure.
Following your procedure, it’s important to schedule regular skin checks. These appointments work to detect skin cancer if it recurs.
If you’re concerned about your risk of squamous cell carcinoma, schedule an appointment at Annexus Dermatology & Aesthetics. Book a consultation online or call the office and speak with a friendly team member today.
