When skin cancer develops as a result of chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, the doctor may diagnose squamous cell skin cancer. Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most frequent form of skin cancer. It is generally found on the face, neck and mouth. The good news is that skin cancer treatments for the condition are relatively effective and often lead to a complete removal of the squamous cell carcinoma.
Doctors will generally diagnose squamous cell skin cancer after a biopsy, where a portion of the tumor is excised and studied. Once the skin cancer has been identified, there are several courses of action available, depending on location, status and condition of the skin cancer and the patient's overall health.
Freezing
Most small squamous cell carcinomas can be completely removed, freezing the cells with liquid nitrogen is a common treatments. If the cancerous area is in a relatively open place and is not deep, this method is highly effective. However, if tumors are located in sensitive areas, such as the eyes or throat, other skin cancer treatments will be implemented.
Excision
It's possible to completely remove squamous cell skin cancer by physically removing the cancerous tissue plus some surrounding healthy tissue from the body. To ensure that there are no cancerous cells left, a portion of healthy skin must also be removed. This is done via minor surgery and frequently results in complete success.
Radiation and chemotherapy
Many doctors recommend a skin cancer treatment of radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation treatments are usually combined with other forms of treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can take the form of topical creams that contain cancer-fighting chemicals. The topical lotions are directly applied to the skin to fight the cancerous cells.
Mohs' surgery
An alternative to excision, this specialized form of skin cancer surgery takes the cancerous skin tumor off layer by layer. This is an exact process designed to only remove the squamous cell carcinoma, and leave healthy skin in place. It is a highly specialized process specifically developed for skin cancer treatments.
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 | When skin cancer is diagnoses, details and technical terms can leave a patient or loved one in the dark. The stages of melanoma are defined by the size of the tumor and how far the cancer has spread. |
 | Learn to recognize early signs of skin cancer so you can get it treated early. With more than 1 million new cases each year, skin cancer is the leading form of cancer in the United States. |
Learning how to prevent skin cancer requires accepting the responsibility of taking care of your skin and your health every single day. Whether the sun is shining or hiding behind clouds, paying attention to skin health is crucial. |
What does skin cancer look like? No one wants to spot a potential sign of skin cancer on her body, but it is a good idea to be prepared, just in case. If you see any of these potential skin cancer red flags, it's time to see a doctor. |
