Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in 535 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma, affecting more than a million Americans each year. It arises from the squamous cells that make up most of the upper layers of the skin. At Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc., Dr. Stefan Lowenstein, a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, diagnoses and treats squamous cell carcinoma early, when it is most curable.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Squamous cell carcinoma can occur anywhere on the body, including the mucous membranes, but is most common on sun-exposed skin. These cancers usually stay confined to the epidermis for some time, but if untreated, they eventually penetrate deeper tissues. In a small percentage of cases, they spread to distant tissues and organs, which can be life-threatening. SCCs that spread most often arise on sites of chronic inflammation, on the lips or mucous membranes, or in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with leukemia or lymphoma or organ transplant recipients.
What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Chronic sun exposure causes most cases, which is why tumors typically appear on the face, neck, bald scalp, hands, shoulders, arms, and back. The rims of the ears and the lower lip are especially vulnerable. SCC can also develop where skin has been injured by burns, scars, long-standing sores, X-ray exposure, or certain chemicals such as arsenic and petroleum by-products. Chronic skin inflammation and long-term immune suppression can increase risk, and some researchers believe a tendency to develop SCC may be inherited. Untreated precancerous actinic keratoses can also progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone with significant sun exposure can develop SCC, but people with fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are at highest risk, as are those who spend long hours outdoors. Although people with darker skin are far less likely to develop skin cancer, more than two-thirds of the skin cancers they do develop are squamous cell carcinomas, usually arising on sites of prior inflammatory skin conditions or burns.
Treatment Options
When detected early, squamous cell carcinomas are treatable and curable in the majority of cases. After a biopsy confirms the diagnosis, treatment is tailored to the tumor’s size, depth, and location. Mohs surgery is often the treatment of choice for SCCs on the face, ears, lips, hands, and other sensitive areas, offering the highest cure rates while preserving healthy tissue.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Prevention is the first and best line of defense. Make these sun-safety habits part of your routine:
- Do not sunbathe.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, applied liberally and frequently.
- Wear protective clothing, broad-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Avoid tanning beds and other artificial tanning devices.
- Teach children sun protection early, since the damage that leads to adult skin cancer begins in childhood.
- Examine your skin from head to toe at least every three months.
Schedule regular skin cancer screenings, and learn more about basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and our skin cancer services.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma FAQs
What is squamous cell carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the squamous cells that make up the upper layers of the skin.
What does squamous cell carcinoma look like?
SCC often appears as a rough, scaly red patch, a firm bump, an open sore, or a wart-like growth that may crust or bleed.
Can squamous cell carcinoma spread?
Yes. Although most SCCs are caught early, untreated tumors can grow deeper and, in a small percentage of cases, spread to other parts of the body.
What causes squamous cell carcinoma?
Most cases are caused by chronic sun exposure. Burns, scars, chronic sores, radiation, certain chemicals, and immune suppression can also contribute.
How is squamous cell carcinoma treated?
Treatment depends on the tumor’s size and location. Mohs surgery is commonly used for SCCs on the face and other sensitive areas.
Are actinic keratoses related to squamous cell carcinoma?
Yes. Actinic keratoses are precancerous spots that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
How can I lower my risk?
Avoid tanning, use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, wear protective clothing, limit midday sun, and examine your skin regularly.
Early Detection Makes All the Difference
If you’ve noticed a new or changing spot, schedule an evaluation at Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc.. Call (415) 383-5475 or request an appointment online today.