What is Squamous cell carcinoma? How is it treated?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common cancer of the skin.

Patients with fair complexions who frequently sun bathe or use tanning beds are most likely to be affected. Some SCC's arise from small sandpaper-like precancerous lesions called actinic leratoses. About 20% of these precancers can evolve into the earliest for of SCC which may present as a warty-growth or a sore that bleeds.

They are generally found in sun-exposed area like the face, neck, arms, scalp, backs of the hands and ears. Any lesion, especially those that do not heal, grow, bleed, or change appearance, should be evaluated by a dermatologist. it is possible for SCC to spread to other areas of the body; therefore early treatment is important. A skin biopsy for microscopic examination may be done to conform the diagnosis. Mohs surgery which I perform and recommend for certain types of skin cancer, can be used to remove the tumor while sparing as much skin as possible.