Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What are Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC's)?

Squamous Cell Carcinomas are a common form of skin cancer. More than 1 million cases of SCC are reported in the U.S. each year.

SCC's may appear anywhere but are commonly treated on the scalp, face, ears, and back of hands. Those with fair-skin, elderly, and those who expose themselves to sunlight frequently are at a higher risk for developing SCC's. They tend to appear as rough, scaly bumps that grow slowly in time. SCC's may also appear as a sore or wound that consistently reappears and breaks open.

What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinomas?

If your physician has pre-diagnosed you with actinic keratosis, you are at a much higher risk for developing SCC's. Actinic keratoses are considered precancers that act as a precursor to SCC's.

Having fair skin, overexposure to sunlight, exposure to cancer-causing chemicals such as coal-tar, nicotine, or insecticides may also pose a likely cause for SCC's.

Any oozing, recurring, or out of ordinary skin lesions should be addressed by your physician immediately.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatments

Our physicians offer a variety of treatments for SCC's. After a complete exam and diagnosis, which may include a skin biopsy, your treatment may include:

• Excision
• Curettage and Desiccation (scraping the cancerous tumor, followed by electric current therapy to the tissue to rid of cancerous cells)
• Radiation Therapy
• Medicated prescription creams