Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatments

Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer. When caught early, it can easily be treated without causing any complications. Prompt treatment is important since untreated lesions can grow quite large or spread into the body. A variety of treatments is employed for this type of cancer and will depend on various factors, including size, location and the aggressiveness of the tumor.

Cyrosurgery

• If your tumor is small, your doctor might use cryosurgery, which involves freezing the cancerous cells with liquid nitrogen. This treatment is not appropriate for larger tumors or ones located on your nose, ears or eyelids.

Excision

• A simple excision involves cutting off the cancerous tissue and a small margin of healthy skin that surrounds it to ensure complete removal. In some cases, your doctor will want to remove a larger portion of skin around the tumor. This can lead to scarring so you will want to work with a doctor who has experience in skin reconstruction, particularly if the squamous cell carcinoma is on your face.

Laser Therapy

• Laser therapy uses a strong beam of light to vaporize the tumor. This treatment minimizes damage to nearby healthy tissue and reduces the risk of bleeding, swelling and scarring. You will most likely receive laser therapy if your carcinoma is located on the lips and has not invaded deeper tissue.

Mohs Surgery

• Mohs surgery is especially good for tumors larger than 2 cm, ones that have come back or are located on the face, mucous membranes or genital area. Your doctor will remove the tumor one layer at a time. As he removes each layer, he will look at it under a microscope until no cancerous cells are found. This surgery does not require removing excessive amounts of healthy skin in the surrounding area. You should only go to doctors specifically trained in this type of surgery.

Radiation and Drug Therapy

• You might receive radiation therapy if your tumor is large and located on the eyelids, lips or ears, or if it is too deep to cut. Tumors that are very superficial, which means they are not invading tissue beyond the surface of the skin, can be treated with topical creams or lotions that contain cancer-fighting substances. They have the potential to cause serious inflammation and scarring.

Prevention

• Squamous cell carcinomas can easily be prevented. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; it is strongest during this time. Use an SPF of at least 15 all year-round; apply about 30 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours during the day. You might need to apply it sooner if you go swimming or exercise. Avoid tanning beds as they emit UVA rays, which go deeper into the skin and are more likely to cause skin cancer. Be especially cautious of sun exposure if you take medications that make you sensitive to sunlight. They include antibiotics, certain medications for cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure, ibuprofen and Accutane. Regularly monitor your skin to check for new growths or changes in any moles, freckles or birthmarks.