Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that affects the squamous cells in the outer layer of the skin. It's typically found on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. While it's less common than basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SCC is more dangerous and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Excision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the cancerous tissue along with some healthy tissue around it. This is typically done using a scalpel or a laser.
Excision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the cancerous tissue along with some healthy tissue around it. This is typically done using a scalpel or a laser.
Mohs surgery is a type of excision that's used to remove skin cancers, including SCC. It involves removing the cancerous tissue in layers and examining each layer under a microscope until all of the cancer has been removed.
Cryosurgery is a treatment that involves freezing the cancerous tissue using liquid nitrogen. It's typically used for small SCCs on the skin.
Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C) is a surgical procedure that involves scraping away the cancerous tissue using a curette, and then treating the area with an electric current to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Topical medications, such as fluorouracil or imiquimod, can be used to treat small SCCs on the skin. They work by stimulating the immune system to fight the cancer.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that involves using a light-sensitive drug called a photosensitizer, along with a special light source, to kill cancer cells. It can be effective for treating SCCs on the skin.
Radiation therapy involves using high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. It's typically used for SCCs that have spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It's typically used for SCCs that have spread to other parts of the body and can be given orally or intravenously.
Immunotherapy involves using drugs to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. It's a newer treatment option for SCC and is showing promise in clinical trials.
Targeted therapy involves using drugs that target specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells to kill them. It's a newer treatment option for SCC and is showing promise in clinical trials.
Precision medicine involves using genetic testing to identify specific mutations in a patient's cancer cells, and then using targeted therapies that match those mutations. It's a newer treatment option for SCC and is showing promise in clinical trials.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a serious skin cancer that can be life-threatening if left untreated. There are many effective treatment options available, including surgery, Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, ED&C, topical medications, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, precision medicine and more. It's important to work with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you based on your specific needs and the stage of your cancer.
