Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
After basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Also unlike BCC, which forms over months or even years, SCC can grow quickly and spread through the body. SCCs usually appear as pink scaly lumps on the back of hands, arms, legs, scalp, face, ears and lips.
It's important to check your skin regularly for any strange growths or changes. Finding squamous cell carcinoma early can improve treatment success rates. If you see any strange lumps or sores that won't heal, visit a Skin Cancer Specialist for an evaluation.
Always protect your skin from UV rays with sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent skin cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Pictures
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment In Melbourne
How is squamous cell carcinoma, a Non-melanoma skin cancer, treated?
SCC treatment usually includes surgery to remove the cancer. Doctors may use other options like laser treatment, radiation, or topical medications based on the severity of the cancer.
Surgery
Surgical excision is the primary treatment in the management of Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC). The surgeon removes the cancerous growth and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue (usually 4-5mm). The extent of surgery depends on the size, location, and depth of the tumour.
Skin Cancer Laser Therapy
In this process, a fractional laser treats the area first. Then, a light-sensitive compound is put on the skin and exposed to a specific light wavelength. This light activates the compound, which helps destroy the cancerous cells.
This therapy is highly successful in managing superficial forms of squamous cell carcinoma e.g. Bowen's disease. However, it is not suitable for the treatment of other types of SCCs.
Topical Chemotherapy Cream
Topical chemotherapy creams aid the immune system in identifying and combating cancer cells. They are administered directly to the impacted region for a predetermined time. While they are successful in managing superficial SCCs (IECs), the treatment period is lengthy, lasting up to 6-8 weeks.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment using high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells.
This treatment is used when surgery isn't possible because of the tumour's location or the patient's health condition. Radiation therapy can be particularly beneficial for tumours in hard-to-reach areas of the body, where surgery may be too risky or not feasible.
Cryotherapy
For superficial SCCs (IECs), this treatment freezes the cancer with liquid nitrogen, killing the cells. It is less effective than other options and has a higher chance of returning.
Are there any health complications if SCC is left untreated?
If Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is not treated, the cancer cells can keep growing and spread to nearby tissue. This can lead to the cancer spreading through the nerves or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.
When cancer spreads, it is harder to treat and lowers the chances of survival. It's crucial to get medical help and treatment quickly for SCC to stop it from spreading and causing more harm.
When should I have a check for squamous cell carcinoma?
Cancer Council Australia recommends regular skin checks by a qualified specialist. This helps catch any Squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) early. Finding issues early allows for quicker, less invasive treatment before they worsen and become more serious.
If you see unusual growths on your skin, visit a Skin Cancer Specialist for a complete check-up. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, covering up, and staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day. Remember, prevention is key in protecting against skin cancer.
Where can I learn more about squamous cell carcinoma treatment?
Visit our website to book an appointment or request a consultation with one of our skin cancer specialists.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
After basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Also unlike BCC, which forms over months or even years, SCC can grow quickly and spread through the body. SCCs usually appear as pink scaly lumps on the back of hands, arms, legs, scalp, face, ears and lips.
It's important to check your skin regularly for any strange growths or changes. Finding squamous cell carcinoma early can improve treatment success rates. If you see any strange lumps or sores that won't heal, visit a Skin Cancer Specialist for an evaluation.
Always protect your skin from UV rays with sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent skin cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Pictures
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment In Melbourne
How is squamous cell carcinoma, a Non-melanoma skin cancer, treated?
SCC treatment usually includes surgery to remove the cancer. Doctors may use other options like laser treatment, radiation, or topical medications based on the severity of the cancer.
Surgery
Surgical excision is the primary treatment in the management of Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC). The surgeon removes the cancerous growth and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue (usually 4-5mm). The extent of surgery depends on the size, location, and depth of the tumour.
Skin Cancer Laser Therapy
In this process, a fractional laser treats the area first. Then, a light-sensitive compound is put on the skin and exposed to a specific light wavelength. This light activates the compound, which helps destroy the cancerous cells.
This therapy is highly successful in managing superficial forms of squamous cell carcinoma e.g. Bowen's disease. However, it is not suitable for the treatment of other types of SCCs.
Topical Chemotherapy Cream
Topical chemotherapy creams aid the immune system in identifying and combating cancer cells. They are administered directly to the impacted region for a predetermined time. While they are successful in managing superficial SCCs (IECs), the treatment period is lengthy, lasting up to 6-8 weeks.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment using high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells.
This treatment is used when surgery isn't possible because of the tumour's location or the patient's health condition. Radiation therapy can be particularly beneficial for tumours in hard-to-reach areas of the body, where surgery may be too risky or not feasible.
Cryotherapy
For superficial SCCs (IECs), this treatment freezes the cancer with liquid nitrogen, killing the cells. It is less effective than other options and has a higher chance of returning.
Are there any health complications if SCC is left untreated?
If Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is not treated, the cancer cells can keep growing and spread to nearby tissue. This can lead to the cancer spreading through the nerves or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.
When cancer spreads, it is harder to treat and lowers the chances of survival. It's crucial to get medical help and treatment quickly for SCC to stop it from spreading and causing more harm.
When should I have a check for squamous cell carcinoma?
Cancer Council Australia recommends regular skin checks by a qualified specialist. This helps catch any Squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) early. Finding issues early allows for quicker, less invasive treatment before they worsen and become more serious.
If you see unusual growths on your skin, visit a Skin Cancer Specialist for a complete check-up. Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, covering up, and staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day. Remember, prevention is key in protecting against skin cancer.
Where can I learn more about squamous cell carcinoma treatment?
Visit our website to book an appointment or request a consultation with one of our skin cancer specialists.
