Squamous cell cancer

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Bowen's disease on the hand

Keratoacanthoma

Skin cancer, squamous cell - close-up

Skin cancer, squamous cell on the hands

Squamous cell carcinoma - invasive

Squamous cell cancer

Alternative Names:

Cancer - skin - squamous cell; Skin cancer - squamous cell
Treatment:

The treatment varies with the tumor's size, depth, location and how much it has spread (metastasis).

Surgical removal of the tumor, which may include removal of the skin around the tumor (wide excision), is often recommended. Microscopic shaving (Mohs' surgery) may remove small tumors. Skin grafting may be needed if wide areas of skin are removed.

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The tumor may be reduced in size by radiation treatments.

Chemotherapy can be used if surgery and radiation fail, but it is usually minimally effective.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most (95%) of squamous cell tumors may be cured if removed promptly. New tumors may develop, so affected individuals should be diligent about examining the skin. Regular examination by the health care provider is usually required.

Complications:

Local spread of the tumor
Metastasis to other locations, including the internal organs

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if any change in color, size, texture, or appearance of a skin lesion develops. Also call if there is pain, inflammation, bleeding, or itching of an existing skin lesion.