The squamous cells are in the middle and upper layers of the skin and can be affected by exposure to UV light. Sun exposure, tanning beds and tanning lamps are the main sources of UV light that can mutate the squamous skin cells, leading to squamous cell carcinoma. Like all types of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma treatment is the most effective in the early stages to help prevent the spread of this disease. At Precision Medical Specialists, we offer diagnosis and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at our medical center in Wellington, FL.
SCC Warning Signs and Symptoms
Sun-damaged skin is more prone to SCC growths. The scalp, ears, face, hands, chest and arms are all more likely to develop SCC, but these growths can occur in areas that do not see sun, like inside the mouth or the bottom of the feet. Some of the warning signs of SCC include:
- Sores that do not heal (may have raised edges)
- Scaly patch of skin (may be reddish in color)
- Rough, raised growth (like a wart)
- Firm, rounded growth
- A horned-shaped growth on skin
- Hard, red nodule
Any new skin growth or sore that appears on the skin and does not go away should be examined by a dermatologist. Dr. Katherine Chiang at Precision Medical Specialists is a board certified dermatologist and a skin cancer expert. If you have a concerning skin growth that has symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma or any other type of skin cancer, she can provide an accurate diagnosis and squamous cell carcinoma treatment if you have the disease.
With early detection of squamous cell carcinoma, treatment can be very effective. In early stages of smaller SCC growths, surgical removal is the least invasive and most effective option. Our surgical team at Precision Medical Specialists prefers ED&C (electrodessication and curettage) for many skin cancer removal surgeries. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on their specific type of cancer and medical workup.
A squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis can be frightening but if detected early, there are effective SCC treatments. If you have symptoms or early warning signs of SCC, contact our medical team at Precision Medical Specialists in Wellington, FL, to schedule an examination for diagnosis of your skin growth with Dr. Chiang.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Almost all patients are good candidates for skin cancer reconstruction. Specific patient factors may cause one option to be better than other. The focus of reconstruction is to re-establish function and cosmetic appearance.
This usually depends on the type of cancer, stage, depth, and other patient specific characteristics. Each decision is made on a case by case basis.
In some cases the cancer can return in the area it was present before surgery or treatment. This is also called “recurrence” of the cancer. Although the skin cancer is removed until the biopsy shows its clear on pathology, recurrence may still happen. For this reasons it is important that the patient continue to see the dermatologist and plastic surgeon who performed the reconstruction to make sure it is treated early if it returns.