What is the treatment for squamous cell carcinoma?
The recommended treatment of squamous cell carcinoma depends on its type, location, risk, and the clinical judgment of your doctor. Treatment options include: • Excision—The SCC is removed with scalpel, and stitches are used close the wound. The tissue may be sent for further examination under a microscope to ensure the complete removal of abnormal cells. • Electrodessication and curettage—May be used for small, superficial SCCs. • Cryosurgery—May be used for small, superficial SCCs. • Mohs Surgery is a specialized surgery often recommended for higher risk tumors, such as those that return in the same place after being previously treated. In this procedure, the tumor is removed in stages. Each portion of tissue is examined under a microscope to make sure that cancerous cells have been removed while sparing as much normal skin as possible. The Mohs Surgery Animation from Understand.com provides a step-by-step explanation of the Mohs Surgery procedure.
