Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common form of skin cancer that develops from abnormal squamous cells in the outer layers of the skin. SCC often arises from long‑term sun exposure and may develop from actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition.
At Water’s Edge Dermatology, our specialists provide comprehensive squamous cell carcinoma treatment in Florida, offering both surgical and non‑surgical options based on the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor.
If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can grow deeper into the skin and surrounding tissues and, in some cases, may spread to lymph nodes or other areas of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma FAQs
SCC usually looks like a red, crusted, or scaly patch on the skin, a non-healing ulcer, or a firm red nodule. SCC generally appears on sun-exposed areas such as the head, neck, ears, trunk, and arms, but it also can develop on other areas of the body.
With early detection and proper treatment, SCC is curable. Allowed to progress, SCC can invade and destroy much of the tissue surrounding the cancerous tumor, which can be disfiguring.
Some SCCs, such as those that develop on a lip or an ear, can be particularly aggressive. Left untreated, aggressive SCCs have a greater risk for metastasis (spreading) to the lymph nodes and other internal organs. This makes early diagnosis and treatment of SCC essential.
A Water’s Edge Dermatology practitioner should examine any lesion that looks like a red, crusted or scaly patch, or a non-healing sore.
Avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the best form of skin cancer prevention at any age, even if you’ve had an SCC removed. Here’s how you can stay safe in the sun:
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to all exposed skin. Broad spectrum provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply approximately about every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible.
- Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
- Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
- Check your skin regularly. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a Water’s Edge Dermatology practitioner. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Before SCC can be treated, the diagnosis must be confirmed with a biopsy. This simple procedure can be performed in the office and involves removing a small amount of tissue so that it can be examined under a microscope.
Most patients with localized SCC (cancer that is confined to the tumor and that has not spread) have an excellent prognosis. Cure rates range from 85-95% or greater.
If the diagnosis is SCC, a variety of surgical and nonsurgical skin cancer treatment options are available. Your Water’s Edge Dermatology practitioner will choose an appropriate treatment after considering the location of the tumor, size, microscopic characteristics, health of the patient, and other factors.
Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma depends on the location, size, depth, and microscopic features of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Water’s Edge Dermatology offers a range of skin cancer treatment options, including both surgical and non‑surgical therapies, to ensure appropriate and effective care.
Most treatment options are relatively minor, office-based procedures that require only local anesthesia.
These include:
- Simple surgical excision. Removes the cancer and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. The removed specimen is examined under a microscope to determine if all of the skin cancer has been removed.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Performed by a specially trained dermatologic surgeon, Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to spare as much normal skin as possible while simultaneously removing the cancer.
- Cryosurgery. Removes the tumor by freezing it with liquid nitrogen.
- Electron Beam Therapy is a specialized non‑surgical radiation therapy used to treat select squamous cell carcinomas. EBT delivers targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.It is often recommended for SCCs located on cosmetically sensitive or high‑risk areas such as the face, ears, lips, nose, or eyelids, or when surgery may not be the best option.Learn more about Electron Beam Therapy for Skin Cancer
- Topical therapy. Medications such as imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil can be applied at home to treat the cancer.
Water’s Edge Dermatology treats squamous cell carcinoma at multiple locations throughout Florida, providing patients access to advanced skin cancer care close to home.
FOR ALL PATIENTS undergoing cryosurgery, biopsy or curettage and electrodessication:: Read this PDF for wound care instructions for cryosurgery (liquid nitrogen), biopsy, curettage and electrodessication (C&D) | (PDF is also available in Spanish.)
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up appointments with a Water’s Edge Dermatology practitioner are essential. SCC can recur, and studies show that individuals who develop SCC have an increased risk of developing future skin cancers, including melanoma.
The recommended follow-up may include a full-body skin examination at least once a year to check for abnormal moles or lesions. Patients also should perform regular skin self-examinations and should be alert to any non-healing sores and other changes that develop on the skin. If any of these are spotted, schedule an appointment to see a Water’s Edge Dermatology practitioner.
Who May Benefit From Non‑Surgical Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment?
Non‑surgical treatments, including electron beam therapy, may be appropriate for patients who:
- Have SCCs in areas where surgery may affect appearance or function
- Have recurrent or high‑risk lesions
- Are not ideal surgical candidates
- Prefer a non‑surgical treatment approach when clinically appropriate
A dermatology consultation is required to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.
If you’ve been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma or have a suspicious skin lesion, schedule an evaluation with a Water’s Edge Dermatology specialist to discuss your treatment options.
