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Squamous Cell Carcinoma Doctor in New Hampshire and Massachusetts

Fight Skin Cancer With Safe and Effective Treatments at Dermatology & Skin Health

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What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin?

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).

Top Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatments by Dermatology & Skin Health

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.

Schedule Your Consultation Now at Dermatology & Skin Health

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.

What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

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. 

Who is Affected by Squamous Cell Cancer?

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:

  • Fair skin tone, since their skin has less melanin that protects them from damaging UV light
  • Medical history of precancerous skin lesions, including actinic keratoses
  • Weakened immune system caused by underlying health conditions or taking certain medications
  • Diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare genetic disorder that causes increased sensitivity to sunlight 

When to See a Doctor for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

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:

  • Firm and red nodules on the skin
  • Flat sore with a scaly texture
  • New sore on top of an old scar
  • Rough and scaly patch on the lip that might develop into an open sore
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Dermatology & Skin Health

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.

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How is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated?

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:

  • Cryosurgery – Some squamous cell carcinomas respond to cryosurgery, in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off the tumor.
  • Curettage and Desiccation – The preferred method of dermatologists involves using a small metal instrument (called a curette) to scrape out the tumor along with an application of an electric current into the tissue to kill off remaining cancer cells.
  • Mohs Micrographic Surgery – The preferred method for large tumors, Mohs Surgery combines the removal of cancerous tissue with microscopic review while the surgery takes place. By mapping the diseased tissue layer by layer, less healthy skin is damaged when removing the tumor.
  • Prescription Medicated Creams – These creams can be applied at home. They stimulate the body's natural immune system over the course of weeks.
  • Photodynamic Therapy – This treatment method uses a photosensitizer absorbed by the cancer cells. When these mutated cells are exposed to light, the photosensitizer creates a form of oxygen that destroys the cancer cells.
  • Radiation Therapy –  Radiation therapy is used for difficult-to-treat tumors, either because of their location, severity, or persistence. Make sure to talk to your cancer doctor or radiation oncologist to know if this is the best type of treatment for you.
  • Surgical Excision –  In this treatment, the tumor is surgically removed and stitched up.

FAQs About Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Q: Is squamous cell carcinoma different from melanoma skin cancer?

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.

Q: How long does it take for the squamous cell carcinoma to spread?

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.

Q: What should I do if I’m diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma?

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.

The Best Skin Cancer Treatments in Seacoast, NH or North Shore, MA

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.

Schedule Your Consultation Now at Dermatology & Skin Health

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.

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