You have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. This is the second most common form of skin cancer. It is slow growing and usually remains in the outer layer of the skin. If left untreated SCCs can spread to other organs of the body, although this is rare. SCCs can disfigure the skin, especially on the face. Early recognition and treatment is important
Prolonged exposure to sunlight is the cause of almost all SCCs. They occur most frequently on the exposed parts of the body such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back. Rarely SCCs can develop on non-exposed areas of the body. Anyone with a history of frequent sun exposure and repeated sunburn are high risk and also people who have fair skin, light hair, and blue, green or grey eyes. Less common causes of SCC include exposure to arsenic, radiation and chronic scars/wounds.
Squamous cell carcinoma can be treated with minor surgery under local or general anaesthetic. Treatment depends on the size and position of the lesion and can involve:
This involves covering the lesion with a special cream then after three hours exposing it to red light. A topical chemotherapy cream can also be used.
The lesion is sprayed with liquid nitrogen which causes an inflammatory reaction. This may blister but will usually resolve within a few weeks.
For very small SCCs this is a very effective treatment. Under a local anaesthetic your doctor can simply scrape the lesion away from your skin. This may leave a small scar.
Most SCCs can be cut out and this is often the best treatment. This allows the tissue to be tested by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and check that it has been completely removed (it can take up to four weeks for the results to be ready). If the SCC has not been completely removed further treatment may be necessary. Cutting the SCC out may leave a hole that requires a skin graft.
SCCs that are large, (greater than 2cm in diameter) or “thick”, have a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body. If the SCC spreads to the local lymph glands (there may be a lump in the groin, armpit or neck) then surgical removal of all the glands in that area will be required. Your doctor or nurse will explain how to check your lymph nodes.
Treating SCCs with a very short and localised course of radiotherapy has been shown to be as effective in curing SCCs. In some patients this may be the best option.
Patients with small, low risk SCCs may be discharged back to their GP after removal.
Patients with more aggressive tumours are followed up regularly every 3-6 months in out patients for up to five years. Your doctor will decide how often your follow up will be.
It is important that you examine your skin regularly, looking for early warning signs.
Check for new lumps or any moles that are enlarged, change colour, itch, bleed, or fail to heal.
Examine the original scar site and surrounding skin, and be aware of any new changes and seek advice.
The Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre,
Level 3,
Derriford Hospital,
Plymouth
Monday – Friday (Drop in)
Tel 01752 763672
Macmillan Cancer Support
Freephone: 0808 808 0000
www.macmillan.org.uk
Marcs Line (Melanoma and Related Cancers of the Skin)
Tel: 01722 415071
