If your doctor suspects you have skin cancer, they will start by taking a biopsy. That means removing some or all of the suspicious growth. The removed tissue will go to a laboratory for further examination. If the biopsy shows that the growth is cancerous, your doctor will create a treatment plan. Several factors will be considered, including the tumor’s size, location, and depth. Your doctor may suggest one of these minor surgical treatments:
Excision — Your doctor cuts out the skin cancer and stitches the skin together.
Mohs surgery — A specially trained dermatologist removes a single layer of skin and immediately examines it under a microscope. If the doctor sees any signs of cancerous cells, they remove another layer of skin. This process continues until there are no signs of the cancer.
Curettage and electrodessication — Your doctor scrapes away cancer cells using a small tool. They then use electricity to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Cryosurgery — Your doctor kills the cancer cells by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. When the spot heals, the diseased skin flakes away.
Photodynamic therapy — Your doctor uses a light-activated chemical to kill skin cancer cells.
If your squamous cell carcinoma is small and localized, this may be all the treatment you need. However, if your skin cancer is large or has spread deep into your skin, you might need:
Radiation therapy — Precisely targeted high-energy beams kill cancer cells. Your doctor may use radiation after or instead of surgery depending on your overall health.
Immunotherapy — The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 5% of squamous cell carcinomas become life-threatening. If so, your doctor might recommend powerful anticancer drugs like chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or immunotherapy.
Although squamous cell carcinoma is common, good sun sense can help you prevent it. And a pattern of regular skin self-checks and professional skin checks should catch any problems early.