From the Guidelines
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that requires prompt treatment, with surgical excision being the primary approach, to prevent morbidity and mortality, and improve quality of life. The treatment of SCC depends on the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor. For small, low-risk tumors, options include standard excision with 4-6mm margins, Mohs micrographic surgery (especially for high-risk areas like the face), electrodesiccation and curettage, or cryotherapy 1.
Treatment Options
- Standard excision with 4-6mm margins
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Electrosiccation and curettage
- Cryotherapy For advanced cases, radiation therapy may be used, while metastatic disease might require systemic treatments like cemiplimab or pembrolizumab (immunotherapies) 1.
Prevention
Prevention is crucial and includes:
- Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Wearing protective clothing
- Avoiding peak sun hours (10am-4pm)
- Regular skin self-examinations SCC has a good prognosis when detected early, with cure rates exceeding 90%, but can be life-threatening if allowed to grow or spread to lymph nodes or distant organs 1.
High-Risk Populations
It is essential to note that certain populations, such as older adults with limited life expectancy, may require a different approach to treatment, taking into account their overall health and quality of life 1. A thorough understanding of the entire spectrum of therapies available for SCC and the evidence on which each treatment recommendation is based is critical to selecting and providing care optimally tailored to individual patients.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of cancer that can be treated with various methods, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The choice of treatment depends on the location, size, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Radiation Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Radiation therapy can be used as a definitive treatment for SCC, especially for patients who are not surgical candidates or who refuse surgery 2, 5, 6.
- Radiation therapy can also be used as an adjuvant treatment after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence 5, 6.
- The efficacy of radiation therapy for SCC has been evaluated in several studies, with pooled local control rates ranging from 87.3% to 90% 5.
Chemotherapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Chemotherapy can be used to treat SCC, especially for patients with advanced or metastatic disease 2, 3, 6.
- Combination chemotherapy regimens, such as carboplatin and paclitaxel, have been shown to be effective in treating SCC 2.
- Topical chemotherapy, such as 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod, can also be used to treat SCC, especially for patients with superficial or in situ lesions 3.
Surgical Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Surgery is the primary treatment for SCC, especially for patients with early-stage disease 4, 5, 6.
- Surgical excision can be used to remove the tumor, and reconstruction may be necessary to restore the affected area 4.
- Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a non-thermal tumor ablation modality that can be used to treat SCC, especially for patients with superficial or in situ lesions 4.