Squamous Skin Cancer Treatment
Squamous skin cancer is also known as squamous cell cancer. These tumors are one of the three most common types of skin cancer. The other two are basal cell cancer and melanoma. Squamous cell is most often found in people over the age of 50.
Significance
Cases of squamous skin cancer account for 2 out of every 10 diagnosed skin cancers. Squamous cell cancers can spread if not treated quickly but the recovery rate is 95 percent when tumors are removed promptly.
Identification
Squamous skin tumors can appear as a lesion on the skin or a sore that will not heal. These tumors are most often located on the face, neck, ears, hands, and arms but can occur anywhere on the body especially in areas regularly exposed to the sun. A mole or wart which begins to change in appearance and becomes rough, scaly, painful, or begins to bleed may be a sign of squamous cell cancer.
Types
The most common treatment for squamous cell cancer is surgery. The type of surgery performed will depend on the size and location of the squamous cell tumor. For small tumors, a simple excision, which is similar to a biopsy, will remove the cancer. The tumor is simply cut out and the skin is stitched back together. Cryosurgery is the method of using liquid nitrogen to destroy the tumor. This will effectively freeze off the squamous skin cancer. Mohs surgery, or microscopic shaving, involves the physician removing the tumor by shaving away one layer of skin at a time. The skin is checked under a microscope to ensure that all off the cancer has been removed.
Time Frame
Squamous cell cancers are considered relatively slow growing but they do develop faster than basal cell cancers. Medical treatment should be sought out as soon as possible to prevent the cancer from spreading and affecting larger areas of skin. Prompt treatment will improve the chances of recovery and minimize scarring from surgery.
Effects
The removal of squamous cell tumors may leave behind scars, depending upon the size of the tumor and the area of skin removed. In cases of large tumors, skin grafts are used to heal the wound and replace missing tissue. This can also reduce the amount of scarring and help to restore the skin's appearance.
Outlook
After recovering from squamous skin cancer, patients should examine their skin regularly as tumors may regrow. Skin cancer is most likely to recur within five years of treatment and may not develop in the same location. Doctors will often recommend follow-up visits every 3 to 6 months for several years to look for signs of recurrence.
Tags: cell cancer, skin cancer, cell cancers, squamous cell cancer, basal cell
