Treatment Options & Images of Early-Stage Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

The second most common form of skin cancer that accounts for about approximately 20% of skin cancer cases that affects the people worldwide is Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The cancer is named because of it arising from the squamous cells that form the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). The primary cause of SCC is known to be prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. If left untreated, it can start spreading to other parts of the body as well from the affected part. However, early-stage squamous cell skin cancer is highly treatable. So, recognizing the signs of SCC and early detection and diagnosis plays a crucial role in the survival of the patient. 

What is Squamous Cell Skin Cancer?

Squamous cell carcinoma develops when squamous cells, which make up the middle and outer layer of the skin, undergo abnormal growth due to DNA damage. SCC often appears in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, hands, and lips. However, it can also develop in less sun-exposed areas, such as the mucous membranes and genitals.

Common Symptoms of SCC:

• A red, scaly patch of skin that doesn’t heal.
• A firm, raised nodule or lump that may bleed or become crusted.
• An open sore that persists or reoccurs.
• A wart-like growth that increases in size over time.

Treatment Options for Early-Stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma

When SCC is detected early, several effective treatment options are available. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and depth of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health.

Cryotherapy (Cryosurgery)

Cryotherapy involves freezing cancerous cells with liquid nitrogen to destroy them. This treatment is typically used for very early-stage squamous cell carcinoma, particularly superficial lesions. In cryotherapy, a skin lesion is sprayed or applied with liquid nitrogen using a spray device or cotton-tipped applicator. Nitrogen is known to have high negative temperature thus, the extreme cold because of liquid nitrogen destroys the abnormal cells, causing the lesion to scab and fall off within a few weeks.

This method is quick and minimally invasive, even no anesthesia is needed to perform it. 

However, the procedure suits for small and superficial SCC lesions and may not work for deeper or larger lesions. It also has possible risk of scarring and changes in skin pigmentation.

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision is one of the most common treatments for early-stage SCC. It involves surgically removing the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure that no cancer cells remain. The procedure is started by giving local anesthesia to the patient to numb an area and then the lesion and surrounding tissue are carefully cut out. After that, stitches are made to close the wound.

Surgical excision has a high success rate for complete removal of the cancerous cells from the area of the skin but, it also has potential for scarring. The procedure also requires follow-up to monitor for recurrence.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating SCC, particularly for high-risk or recurrent lesions. It involves the step-by-step removal and examination of cancerous tissue to ensure that all cancer cells are eliminated while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. In mohs micrographic surgery, the surgeon first removes a thin layer of tissue from the patient and examines it under a microscope. The process continues until the cancer is fully eradicated.

Mohs has the highest rate of curing the SCC in the patients and also minimizes tissue loss and scarring. However, the method is highly time- consuming and takes many sessions for completion. 

Topical Medications

Topical medications such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and imiquimod are used for superficial SCC or precancerous lesions.. The topical medication has active ingredients that target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The medication is simply needed to directly apply over the lesion for some weeks for effective results. 

This method is best to choose if the patient wants totally non- invasive and easy to do treatment. Also, it can treat multiple superficial lesions at one time. However, the topical medications may cause local irritation, redness, and scaling and are less effective for deeper or more aggressive SCC.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is occasionally used for early-stage SCC, particularly when surgery is not an option or when the lesion is located in an area where surgery may be challenging. In this, high-energy X-rays target and destroy cancer cells and it takes multiple sessions for the treatment to fully get delivered to the patients.

 Radiation therapy is effective for patients who cannot undergo surgery and is useful for treating lesions in hard-to-reach areas. However, the therapy may cause skin irritation and fatigue.Also, long-term side effects are possible for this method. 

Preventing Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Recurrence: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Care

After successful treatment, regular follow-up and preventive measures are essential to reduce the risk of recurrence. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Sun Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours.
• Regular Skin Checks: Schedule regular dermatological check-ups and perform monthly self-examinations.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a healthy immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco products.