Three Methods Of Dealing With Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the two non-melanoma forms of skin cancer (the other being basal cell). However, just because it is classified as a non-melanoma, it doesn't mean that it is something that can be neglected. Over the last few decades, there has been a two hundred percent increase in this cancer, so it is defiantly something to be aware of.

This form of cancer can be treated in one of a few different ways. Here are the main three.  

Mohs Surgery

This is one of the best ways to treat squamous cell carcinoma because it is so excellent at making sure surrounding tissue is free from cancer. What happens is that the doctor will use a scalpel and remove the cancer, as well as a small amount of surrounding skin. The doctor then brings this tissue sample into a lab and has a lab tech examine it for any signs of cancerous cells. If any cancerous cells are discovered, then the doctor will return and remove more of the surrounding skin with the scalpel and repeat the process until the skin that is examined in the lab is free of cancer cells. This method is very through, and it can be done in the doctors office. 

Cryosurgery

This method involves using extremely cold temperature to free the cancerous growth. The physician will apply a dab of liquid nitrogen to the affected area of skin. This will cause the tissue to freeze, die, and then fall off. The main problem with cryosurgery is that it is not as invasive as Mohs, and there might be small areas of cancerous cells that remain intact. However, studies have been done that show there is a very good cure rate (98 percent over 30 years). The surgery is popular with patients who have a history of severe bleeding issues (hemophiliacs, for instance) and for whom a scalpel surgery is out of the question.

Radiation

A final method of dealing with squamous cell carcinoma is to use radiation. This is normally used in patients who can't deal with scalpel surgery and when the doctor believes that the cancer is too deep for cryosurgery. The radiation can penetrate deep into the skin, so it works by killing cancer cells that might not be caught with cryosurgery. The downside is that the radiation itself can make people ill.

For more information, contact local professionals like Gateway Dermatology PC.

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