Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that’s quite common and often the result of ultraviolet (UV) light damage within your skin. UV light comes from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds or booths. 

Squamous cells, where squamous cell carcinoma originates, make up the middle and outer layers of your skin. They become flatter and more elongated as they get closer to your skin’s surface, where they eventually shed off. 

Just like any other type of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma can spread beyond its original borders. While it can grow pretty large while staying in your skin, it can also spread to other parts of your body if you don’t treat it early in its development. 

How is squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed?

The team at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania encourages you to get regular skin exams, which can detect suspicious lesions that may be cancerous. After looking over your entire body, the team may mark certain spots on your skin and remove them with a biopsy. The biopsy specimens are sent to an outside lab and are evaluated by a dermatopathologist. 

It benefits you to familiarize yourself with the possible signs and symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma. Whether your risk for it is high or low, you should schedule an exam at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania if you notice an unusual sore or rough patch on your skin. Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a red bump, a nodule, or a flatter sore. 

How is squamous cell carcinoma treated?

The team at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania often uses a method called Mohs micrographic surgery, or Mohs surgery, to treat squamous cell carcinoma. This unique approach involves shaving off a single layer of cells at a time from your cancerous lesion. Between each shave, your surgeon examines the cells under a microscope. 

Your surgeon uses each skin sample to determine which cells to remove next. This strategy preserves as much healthy skin as possible. Yet, there may be circumstances where another treatment is more necessary or appropriate, such as:

• Cryosurgery
• Excision
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Laser therapy
• Photodynamic therapy

The team carefully evaluates your squamous cell carcinoma before developing your individualized treatment plan. 

Learn more about squamous cell carcinoma and its treatments by scheduling an appointment over the phone or online at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania today.