Squamous cell carcinoma can be found anywhere but will develop most frequently on your scalp, face, ears, and back of your hands. Once the cancer cells reach your lymph node in the neck and collarbone, it becomes metastatic squamous neck cancer. If you’re fair-skinned, middle-aged, and elderly with a history of sun exposure, you have a greater risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma than any other individual.
You'll find squamous cells in the upper layer (surface) of the epidermis. The crusted, scaly patch of skin with the inflamed, red base looks like scales under a microscope. Often tender to the touch, about 250,000 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed annually - and approximately 2,500 of them result in death.
Some squamous cell carcinoma comes from actinic keratoses, which are dry scaly lesions that can be flesh-colored, reddish-brown, or yellow black, and which appear on skin that is rough or leathery. Actinic keratosis spots are considered precancerous, so make sure to consult a skin cancer specialist immediately.
Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed via a biopsy – either excisional, where the entire tumor is removed along with some surrounding tissue, or incisional, where part of the tumor is removed (used primarily for large lesions).
Patients from New Hampshire and Massachusetts don’t need to worry about squamous cell carcinoma and other nonmelanoma skin cancer types, thanks to different medical treatments for this skin cancer type at Dermatology & Skin Health.
Our team of board-certified dermatologists and highly-trained healthcare professionals are knowledgeable in cutaneous oncology, radiation oncology, and other medical fields. We perform each skin treatment inside state-of-the-art facilities to ensure your safety and comfort.
By consulting with us now, you can find out which nonmelanoma skin cancer care option is the best pick for you. Your medical records are viewed first and the necessary tests to diagnose your skin condition will be performed before recommending a treatment option. Schedule your first appointment with us by calling us or filling out our form online.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
Most cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. These usually come from the sun or tanning equipment like sunlamps and tanning beds.
When the skin is exposed to UV rays, it damages some of the DNA inside a skin cell. The body tries to reverse the damage to the skin cell. But when it can’t repair the damage anymore, the skin cell mutates into a cancer cell which multiplies quickly.
As more cancer cells spread on the skin, a tumor starts to develop. The tumor may form in the skin cells or squamous cells that are located in the outermost layer of the skin.
Skin cancers are one of the most common cancers in the world. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is only rising since almost anyone may develop this kind of cancer. However, some people are at a higher risk because of factors like:
Squamous cell carcinoma usually affects sun-damaged skin on the scalp, back of hands, lips, and ears. However, some patients may also develop this condition on other parts of their bodies like the inside of the mouth, bottom of the feet, and the crotch area.
It’s best to treat this skin cancer early on, so make sure to see a healthcare provider as soon as your notice these symptoms:
At Dermatology & Skin Health, our excellent dermatology services are guaranteed to be safe and effective, performed by the top doctors in their respective fields. Treat your skin problems by contacting us today.
Most skin clinics aren’t well-equipped to treat skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma. But at Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer different procedures for treating this medical condition. Some of the common treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma may include:
A: Yes, melanomas are much less common but they’re more dangerous because they quickly grow and spread if left untreated. Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells that create pigment on the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma develops from the skin cells that are exposed to too much UV light.
A: It’s rare for SCC to spread to other parts of the body. But when it does, the spread is usually slow. Your doctor determines which stage of SCC you’re in and recommends the best treatment method to stop the cancer cells from spreading further.
A: The best thing to do is ask anything you need to understand your condition better. This allows you and your doctor to decide on the treatment option that can stop the cancer cells from spreading.
If you suffer from squamous cell carcinoma and other skin conditions, schedule a consultation at Dermatology & Skin Health now. Our team specializes in a wide selection of medical treatments for SCC and related symptoms, so you can trust us to provide you with the best solutions to help manage your condition and stop the spread of cancer cells.
Please fill out the request form on our site or give us a call at (603) 742-5556 (Dover & Newington), (978) 525-0100 (Peabody), (603) 965-3551 (Londonderry), or (603) 742-5556 (Bedford) to book an appointment. Get skin advice and treatments from our team of experts and get in touch with us today.
At Dermatology & Skin Health, we offer world-class services done by award-winning doctors who have proven their knowledge and skills in this field. Start your journey towards achieving your best skin by contacting us today.
If your desired appointment type or preferred provider is unavailable online, kindly call (978) 525-0100 for Peabody, MA and (603) 742-5556 for all New Hampshire locations. Alternatively please feel free to send us your request via the patient portal, or via email at info@dermskinhealth.com
*For medical dermatology appointments in MA please dial (978) 525-0100 or fill out the appointment request form above.