Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common form of skin cancer. It typically occurs on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, ears, and hands. While SCC can spread if untreated, it is usually manageable when caught early. Let’s explore squamous cell carcinoma treatment options.
Surgery to Remove the Tumor
Surgery is often the first option for treating squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to remove the tumor and prevent it from spreading. There are a few types of surgery that doctors may suggest:
- Excision: This method involves cutting out the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure no cancer remains. A pathologist examines the tissue to confirm that all cancerous cells are gone.
- Curettage and electrodessication: In this approach, the tumor is scraped away with a sharp tool (curette), and then the area is treated with heat to kill any remaining cancer cells. This method works best for small SCCs.
- Mohs surgery: Mohs surgery is a specialized form of excision. A surgeon removes the tumor layer by layer and examines each layer under a microscope. This process continues until no more cancer cells are found, preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a common option when surgery isn’t possible or the tumor is too large. This treatment uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It is also a good choice for treating SCC in sensitive areas like the eyelids or nose, where surgery could cause visible scars.
Radiation therapy might be the primary treatment or used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Sessions usually take place over several weeks. Although it is effective, radiation can cause side effects such as skin irritation and fatigue, which tend to improve after treatment.
Topical Medications
In some cases, especially for very small or early-stage SCC, doctors may suggest topical medications. These creams or gels are applied directly to the skin and contain drugs that boost the immune system to fight cancer. The most common topical treatments are:
- Imiquimod: This cream stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells. It’s often used for superficial squamous cell carcinoma that hasn’t spread deeper into the skin.
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): This cream works by blocking the growth of cancer cells. It’s also used for very thin SCCs and can help prevent the cancer from coming back.
Topical treatments are generally less invasive but are only suitable for surface-level SCCs.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a quick and simple treatment option for some early-stage squamous cell carcinomas. In this method, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the cancer cells. It works best on small, superficial tumors.
During cryotherapy, a doctor applies the freezing liquid to the skin, which causes the cancer cells to die. Over time, the treated area may blister and peel away, leaving healthy skin underneath. Cryotherapy is often painless and doesn’t require any recovery time, making it a convenient option for many patients.
Targeted Therapy
For more advanced squamous cell carcinoma, targeted therapy may be an option. This type of treatment uses drugs that focus on specific molecules involved in cancer growth. One example is cetuximab, a drug that blocks a protein called EGFR, which helps cancer cells grow. Targeted therapy can slow the growth of the tumor and is often combined with other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
This treatment can be especially useful for SCCs that have spread to other parts of the body, or when surgery isn’t possible. While targeted therapy can be effective, it also carries the risk of side effects like rashes, diarrhea, and infections.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a newer form of treatment that helps the immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells. One example of an immunotherapy drug used for SCC is pembrolizumab. This drug works by blocking a protein that allows cancer cells to hide from the immune system. By blocking this protein, the immune system can better target and destroy the cancer.
Immunotherapy is often used for advanced cases of squamous cell carcinoma or when other treatments aren’t effective. While this treatment has shown promising results, it may cause side effects like fatigue, nausea, or an overactive immune response.
Explore Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options
Squamous cell carcinoma is a treatable form of skin cancer, especially when caught early. Surgery, radiation therapy, topical medications, cryotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are all effective options, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
With proper treatment, the outlook for most people with SCC is positive. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your specific case. Early detection and swift action are key to successful outcomes.