Ency. home > Disease > S > Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

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

Treatment

The treatment varies with the tumor's size, depth, location, and the spread (metastasis).

Surgical removal of the tumor, which may include removal of the skin around the tumor (wide excision), is often recommended. Microscopic shaving (Mohs' surgery) may remove small tumors. Skin grafting may be needed if wide areas of skin are removed.

The tumor may be reduced in size by radiation treatments.

Prognosis

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

Complications

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

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

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.

Ency. home > Disease > S > Squamous cell carcinoma

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