Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. It too is more commonly found on fair-skinned people. Like Basal Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinomas are directly caused by sun damage and appear on sun-damaged skin (ears, face, lips, mouth, hands, arms, legs, as well as anywhere on the body). Squamous Cell Carcinomas can develop into large masses and become invasive. Unlike Basal Cell Carcinomas, this form of cancer can metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). Therefore it is important to not allow cancer to go untreated.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Like with BCC, many treatment options exist for SCC and Dr. Green tailors it to each and every case depending on the depth of cancer, the location, and sometimes based on the patient\u2019s needs. Some of the more common dermatologic surgical treatment options that the physician will perform as well as recommend include surgical excision, electrodesiccation and curettage (also known as ED&C) which involves alternately scraping and burning the tumor with low levels or electricity, and SRT-100 (Superficial Radiotherapy) a new non- invasive procedure which uses targeted low levels of radiation to cause destruction of the cancers DNA, allowing for faster healing times and minimal or no scarring.<\/p>\n<\/div>