Related Information Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma Malignant Melanoma Mohs Surgery

Squamous cell carcinoma typically presents as a flesh-colored or reddish bump or patch most often located on the face, scalp, upper extremities, or chest. Although these skin cancers have a predilection for sun-exposed areas, they can occur almost anywhere on the skin surface. Squamous cell carcinomas can metastasize, or spread to other bodily sites, but this occurs in less than 3% of patients. However, it is important to note that squamous cell carcinomas that do metastasize tend to have one or more of the following features:

• Large size (>2 cm diameter).
  
  
• Aggressive biologic behavior as evidenced by its return one or more times after removal.
  
  
• Location on the lower lip or ear, or within a prior burn injury or long-standing scar.
  
  
• Presence in a patient with a weakened immune system (i.e., organ transplant recipient, leukemia patient).

The choice of treatment depends upon many factors, including its location on the skin surface, the subtype and aggressiveness of the cancer, aesthetic implications of treatment, and even the health status of the patient. In general, the treatment options are the same as for basal cell carcinoma. Treatment options include:

• Electrodessication and curettage, also known as "scraping and burning," involves scraping away the diseased tissue and touching the area with an electric needle.
  
  
• Cryosurgery, or "freezing," involves the use of liquid nitrogen applied directly to the skin surface.
  
  
• Radiation, although effective, is infrequently used today due to the availability of safer, less expensive alternatives.
  
  
• Traditional excision, which involves surgically removing the diseased area and usually closing it with sutures (stitches).
  
  
• Injections, as well as the topical application of prescription agents, are other measures that have been used to target the cancerous cells.
  
  
• Mohs micrographic surgery is an advanced treatment which involves excision of the cancerous cells under complete microscopic control and is usually followed by closure with sutures, but it is generally reserved for selected cases.