Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the 2nd most common skin cancer. Up to 250,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. It most commonly occurs in adults with fair skin who have had abundant sun exposure. Sun exposed areas are the most common areas to find SCCs. They typically present as scaling, hard plaques or nodules that can bleed or ulcerate easily.
What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
SCCs are more aggressive than BCCs and can be locally invasive and have the potential to metastasize. For this reason, we aggressively treat SCCs in order to prevent them from spreading to other areas. There are a variety of treatment options that are available to treat SCCs and the type of treatment utilized is dependent on the type, size, and location of the cancer. Some examples of treatment strategies we use are:
- Electrodessication and curettage
This involves scraping off the cancer cells and burning the base of the cancer with heat. This is a minimally invasive procedure. - Surgical Excision
Many cancers will need to be surgically removed. This can be done in office. - Mohs Micrographic Surgery
For high risk cancers and cancers in critical locations, Mohs surgery can be used. - Radiation Therapy
Used for tumors that are deemed inoperable.
It is important to diagnose and treat SCCs early on so they do not have the chance to grow and spread. The treatment strategies we use have a high cure rate.
If you have questions concerning Squamous Cell Carcinoma, call our office and schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Myers. At your visit, Dr. Myers will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan for your condition.
About
Dr. David Myers
Dr. David Myers is a board certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery. His expertise and attention to detail make him a trusted doctor in his community.
