Squamous Cell Carcinoma

UV Damaged skin and treatment options

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is most common on sun-exposed skin. Frequently, squamous cell carcinoma begins at the site of a pre-cancer. It can also arise on normal skin as a hard, dome-shaped, red bump. Often, a squamous cell carcinoma will appear “crater-like” with a crusty, scaly center. Squamous cell carcinomas are more dangerous than basal cell carcinomas, because they are more likely to spread or metastasize to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Aside from sun-exposed areas, squamous cell carcinomas can occur on the lip, in the mouth, under a fingernail, and even on genital skin that has never been exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinomas can arise in scars and areas that have been treated with radiation. Older women can develop multiple squamous cell carcinomas on their legs, and men can develop multiple lesions on their scalp. When a person’s immune system is compromised as a result of internal cancer, organ transplant, or chemotherapy, squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to occur than basal cell carcinoma.

Treatments for SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Early treatment of squamous cell carcinoma is important to avoid it from spreading to other parts of the body.

Types of treatments:

• Surgical excision
• Mohs surgery
• Curettage
• Desiccation
• Radiation therapy

Contact us to have a dermatologist examine the concerned area and determine if treatment is needed.