Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that most often affects areas of the body that have been exposed to sunlight, such as face, ears, lips, neck, arms, and hands. The treatment for squamous cell carcinoma usually depends on the size, location, and stage of the cancer. In some cases, surgery might be the most effective treatment option.
Surgery for squamous cell carcinoma involves the removal of cancerous tissue, along with a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding it. This is called a surgical excision. The surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the area, and then make a small incision to remove the tumor. Afterward, the incision will be stitched up, and the patient will be given instructions for wound care and follow-up.
The main advantage of surgery is that it can remove the cancerous tissue entirely, which means that it has a high success rate at preventing the cancer from returning. Surgery also allows the surgeon to examine the tissue under a microscope to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
However, surgery may not be suitable for all cases of squamous cell carcinoma. If the tumor is very large, or if it has spread to other parts of the body, other treatment options may be required, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Additionally, some patients may not be good candidates for surgery due to other health conditions that make surgery risky.
Whether or not surgery is necessary for squamous cell carcinoma depends on several factors, including the size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history. If surgery is recommended, the patient should discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with their healthcare provider and make an informed decision about whether to proceed.
Is squamous cell carcinoma fully curable?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the squamous cells found in the uppermost layer of the skin. It is the second most common type of skin cancer, after basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma often appears as a red, scaly patch or a raised bump that may have a central depression. It can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly found on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, and back of the hands.
The good news is that squamous cell carcinoma is highly treatable, especially when it is caught early. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for people with early-stage squamous cell carcinoma is around 95%. However, the chances of survival decrease if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
The most common treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is surgical removal of the cancerous tissue. If the cancer has not spread beyond the skin, the surgery is usually a simple outpatient procedure. In some cases, radiation therapy or topical chemotherapy may be used to treat the cancer. These treatments are often used in combination with surgery to ensure that all the cancer cells are eliminated.
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the treatment may involve chemotherapy or immunotherapy. These treatments work by killing cancer cells or boosting the immune system’s ability to fight the cancer. While these treatments can be effective in controlling the cancer, they may not be able to cure it completely.
While squamous cell carcinoma may not be fully curable in all cases, early detection and treatment can greatly improve the chances of a complete cure. Regular skin checks by a dermatologist and protecting your skin from the sun can help reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. If you notice any changes in your skin, such as a new growth or sore that does not heal, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible.
