Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in America. Research shows that skin cancer affects more than 3 million Americans yearly. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most prevalent skin cancer type in the world. SCC has a higher risk of death, albeit being treatable when detected early. The survival rate subsides with age. Chevy Chase squamous cell carcinoma can infect anyone regardless of skin color. This article analyses squamous cell carcinoma as a threat to your overall health and the effective remedies.
Table of Contents
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Oncologists describe squamous cell carcinoma as the malignant growth of cancerous squamous cells. Squamous cells are flat cells that make the epidermis. SCC occurs when damaging factors such as ultraviolet rays or radioactive materials penetrate the skin epithelial layer to cause abnormal changes in the cells.
Symptoms of SCC
- Persistent irregular red crusts on your skin
- Open sores on your lip
- Withered skin patches
Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms vary from person to person, contingent on the type of SCC contracted. SCC can appear anywhere on the body where squamous cells are located. Typically, pigmented rough, scaly patches are a dead giveaway for squamous cell carcinoma infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Primarily diagnosis is by biopsy. Prognosis differs for small and larger lesions. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma may necessitate taking a more significant part of your skin for testing.
Squamous cell carcinoma is not discreetly fatal; however, it damages the nerves and blood vessels in advanced stages, impeding blood circulation. Improper blood flow is detrimental to your health. SCC treatment varies depending on the severity of lesions, location of lesions, age, and overall health. Generally, SCC treatment involves in-office procedures that are locally destructive. The remedies to squamous cell carcinoma are:
1. Excisional Surgery
Recurrent tumors are not removable by mild approaches. Your doctor will remove the altered squamous cells patch alongside a healthy layer of the skin. Removing the neighboring layers is paramount to ensure SCC does not metastasize. After removing the whole cancerous area, the surgeon will then stitch up your wounds. This process is done under local anesthesia.
2. Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the lesions. Cryotherapy is a localized treatment, and you may go home the same day; however, cryosurgery requires multiple procedures for efficacy.
3. Topical Chemotherapy
Topical chemotherapy uses ointments to kill cancerous cells over time. The doctor will recommend fluorouracil or steroid-based cream to apply to your skin. You may leave the cancerous area uncovered or covered with a dressing. The frequent application removes lesions within one to two weeks.
4. Radiation Therapy
With radiation therapy, high-powered X-rays are concentrated on the affected squamous cells. Radiation therapy destroys the altered genetic material alongside healthy cells to cure SCC. Most radiotherapy side effects are controlled, with the only demerit being the destruction of healthy cells. Infusing radiotherapy with PRP stimulates tissue regeneration.
5. Curettage
Curettage is the scraping off of cancerous growth. During the procedure, the doctor will scrape off the cells using a curette. This procedure produces a scar and is done on the less visible areas of your body. Subsequent operations guarantee the complete removal of damaged squamous cells.
Outlook
SCC is treatable when detected in the early stages. You can minimize SCC risk by scheduling an appointment at Skin Cancer Specialist Mohs and Dermatologic surgery center today. The team of specialists will guide you through the entire journey of squamous cell carcinoma elimination.