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Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in San Diego, CA

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a common form of skin cancer that arises from squamous cells, which are flat cells found on the surface of the skin. It is also called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) to distinguish it as a type of skin cancer.

The board-certified dermatologists at Del Mar M.E.D. specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Call (858) 755-6647 to schedule a consultation at our dermatology clinic in San Diego, CA today.

Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

While generally treatable when detected early, SCC has the potential to become invasive, making awareness, early detection, and timely intervention crucial.

When you have sun exposure damage, the body tries to repair this damage. When it can no longer repair all the damage, changes called mutations develop in the skin’s cells. These mutated cells are cancer cells.

Are You at Risk for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Understanding risk factors and adopting sun-protective measures can also play a pivotal role in preventing the development of SCC.

You may be at risk for SCC if you have:

  • Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or tanning beds
  • History of chronic skin inflammation
  • Exposure to certain chemicals
  • A weakened immune system
  • A previous history of skin cancer

Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Serious?

This cancer is usually not life-threatening. In most patients, it tends to grow slowly. However, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a skin cancer that demands attention due to its potential for invasiveness.

Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

If you notice any changes in your skin or have concerns about skin lesions, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist right away.

Some early signs of SCC may include:

  • Lesion Appearance  – a raised, scaly, red, or pink lesion that may resemble a wart or sore with a crusted center
  • Location – commonly found on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands
  • Tenderness or Itching  – tenderness or itching in the affected area
  • Bleeding – sometimes these lesions can bleed
  • Irregular borders – raised lesions with a crusty center and irregular borders

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a skin cancer that demands attention due to its potential for invasiveness.

The main treatment options include:

  • Excisional Surgery – to remove the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy skin
  • Mohs Micrographic Surgery  – in cases where preserving as much healthy tissue as possible is crucial, Mohs surgery is employed to remove cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope until no cancerous cells remain
  • Radiation Therapy – may be recommended for SCC in specific locations or when surgery is not a viable option
  • Topical Medications  – may be used for superficial SCCs or for individuals who are not suitable candidates for surgery

Schedule a Squamous Cell Carcinoma Consultation in San Diego, CA

Call (858) 755-6647 to schedule a consultation at our dermatology clinic in San Diego, CA today.