What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Catching skin cancer early can make all the difference, especially when it comes to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that arises from squamous cells found in the skin's outer layer. SCC is one of the most common types of skin cancer, second only to basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It frequently develops in sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, neck, hands, and arms, but it can also appear on other areas of the body, like the legs or even inside the mouth. It often manifests as dry areas, wart-like growths, or scabs that frequently reopen and bleed. If neglected, SCCs can spread to other parts of the body, which is why it's crucial to discover them early on with proactive monitoring. Dr. Adam Aldahan and his skilled team at Palm Beach Dermatology conduct thorough skin cancer assessments and employ cutting-edge skin cancer removal methods if SCC is detected. Reach out to our Boca Raton, FL practice to schedule a consultation and an assessment.
How Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated?
At Palm Beach Dermatology, our practitioners provide a range of therapy courses for people diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer. Our team recommends routine skin cancer testing to allow us to identify any signs of disease before they progress too much. When caught early, squamous cell carcinoma has a favorable prognosis. In most cases, treatment can remove the cancer entirely. However, if SCC is allowed to spread to other parts of the body, the outlook becomes more serious. Advanced cases may require more aggressive treatments and have a higher risk of recurrence. Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatment methods for SCC, especially for cancers that are in sensitive areas of the body, like the face. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes thin layers of the cancerous tissue, examining each layer of skin under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. Other treatment options include:
- Surgical excision: Removing the tumor along with some surrounding tissue.
- Electrodesiccation and curettage: Scrapes away abnormal or cancerous cells and then seals the tissue to reduce the chance of the cancer spreading or recurring.
- Prescription medications: Applied topically or taken orally for more widespread or deeper cancers.
- Radiation (for select cases): Targets and destroys cancer cells in delicate areas where surrounding tissue needs to be protected or for patients who may not be good surgical candidates due to other health concerns.
What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
Learning how to identify SCC can save lives. Symptoms of SCC could manifest anywhere on the skin but are most commonly seen on the lips, face, ears, scalp, legs, or arms. They may appear as rough, scabrous, or red lumps, large, rough, dark-colored spots, or open sores that do not improve. They sometimes start off as AKs (actinic keratosis), which are smaller, flaking, brown or pink areas of skin. The most commonly observed signs of SCC include:
- Itching
- Tenderness
- Bleeding
If you notice any of these, it's important to seek medical advice, as SCC can spread if left untreated.
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Keep Skin Checks Routine
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) requires timely attention, and regular skin checks are an important part of maintaining your health. If you've noticed any unusual changes in your skin, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Adam Aldahan at Palm Beach Dermatology can help identify potential issues before they progress. Our team is here to provide personalized care and discuss the treatment options best suited for your situation. Contact our Boca Raton, FL practice to learn more, and take proactive steps for your skin health.