Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Before considering your treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma, you should know some necessary details. The following article will discuss the causes of the disease, symptoms, treatment options, and survival rates. Ultimately, this information will help you choose the best treatment option for your condition.
Symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer typically appearing on areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure. Common locations for these lesions are the face, ears, hands, arms, and legs. These lesions may also be present on other parts of the body. Some symptoms of SCC include pain, inflammation, bleeding, itching, and skin ulceration.
The earliest symptom of SCC is a thick, rough patch of skin known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCC-in situ). It often occurs in areas exposed to the sun for an extended period. The growth may be a few millimeters or a few centimeters in diameter. If untreated, SCC may spread and become disfiguring.
Causes
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It does not spread to other body areas and usually appears as dry, crusty bumps or spots on the skin. It often appears on areas of the body exposed to sun exposure. It doesn't improve on its own and requires surgery to cure.
Treatments for squamous cell carcinoma may include excision, which involves surgically removing part or all of the affected area. Surgical procedures can also include curettage, in which the cancer is cured by burning off the surrounding skin. Other treatments can include radiation therapy, which uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Another treatment option is photodynamic therapy, which involves exposing the affected area to intense light for a few minutes. Laser surgery may also be used to remove the cancerous skin.
Treatment options
Treatment options for squamous cell cancer depend on how advanced the cancer is, as well as the size of the tumor. Localized squamous cell cancer can often be treated by simple excision. More extensive cases may require further surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is sometimes used as well. A patient's general health and age will also affect the treatment choice.
Some doctors also use immunotherapy to fight cancer cells. This form of treatment uses drugs like imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil that are given orally or intravenously. Immunotherapy drugs work by boosting the immune system to fight off cancer cells. Some cancer cells produce proteins that evade the body's immune system, and immunotherapy drugs can disrupt this process. In addition, chronic sun exposure is a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma, so it is recommended that you avoid the sun from 10 AM-4 PM and use sunscreen and other protective clothing when out in the sun.
Survival rate
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer found in the oral cavity. It develops in the tongue region and hard palate between the vermilion border and the posterior one-third of the lips. About 95% of those who develop the disease are tobacco or alcohol users. Although the cancer is often asymptomatic, it is curable when detected early. Treatment options include surgery and radiation. While the overall survival rate is 99 percent, patients face the risk of recurrence. This is why it is essential to undergo lifelong monitoring.
Early detection of squamous cell carcinoma is essential for a positive outcome. Early detection can help reduce the risk of the disease spreading to other parts of the body and lymph nodes. Early detection can also help a patient avoid serious complications, including the development of metastases. However, if cancer spreads to distant organs, the survival rate drops to less than 50 percent.
