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Squamous cell skin cancer

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Cancer - skin - squamous cell; Skin cancer - squamous cell

Treatment:

Skin cancer has a high cure rate if it is treated early. Treatment depends on how big the tumor is, its location, and how much it has spread ( metastasis ).

Surgery to remove the tumor is often recommended. Microscopic shaving (Mohs' surgery) may be used to remove small tumors. Skin grafting may be needed if wide areas of skin are removed.

Radiation therapy may help reduce tumor size. Chemotherapy can be used if surgery and radiation fail, but it usually does not work very well for squamous cell cancer.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most (95%) of squamous cell tumors may be cured if removed promptly. New tumors may develop, so affected individuals should be diligent about examining the skin. Regular examination by the health care provider is usually required.

Complications:

• Local spread of the tumor
• Metastasis to other locations, including the internal organs

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any change in color, size, texture, or appearance of a skin lesion develops. Also call if there is pain, inflammation, bleeding, or itching of an existing skin lesion.

References:

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2006.

• Review Date: 2/12/2007
• Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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