Squamous Cell Carcinoma
| Article Index |
|---|
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma |
| Warning Signs |
| Treatment |
| After Treatment |
Treatment
The vast majority of squamous cell carcinomas are not serious if detected early and treated quickly. However, squamous cell carcinoma can grow quickly and can be resistant to treatment or locally aggressive, damaging healthy skin around it, sometimes even reaching into bone and cartilage. With delays in treatment, it may be difficult to eliminate, and could result in disfigurement.
Squamous cell carcinomas that are at high risk for metastasis are usually found on the lip, ear, nose, or in persons who are immunocompromised.
There is no one best method to treat all skin cancers and precancers. The choice is determined by many factors, including the location, type, size, whether it is a primary tumor or recurrent carcinoma, the health and preference of the patient, and the preference of the physician. For example, a treatment that has a high cure rate and is painless but leaves a large scar might not be preferred for a tumor on the face.
Almost all treatments can be performed in the physician’s office or in special surgical facilities. Most skin cancer removal can be done using a local anesthetic. Rarely, extensive tumors may require general anesthesia and hospital admission.
Current methods of treating squamous cell carcinomas are:
