Treating Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Effective Approaches

Approaches to Managing Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Early detection of squamous cell carcinoma often allows for successful treatment. Local therapies are effective when the cancer remains confined and small. These treatments can often cure small tumors, but larger lesions pose a challenge due to their rapid growth and potential to recur. In some cases, the cancer may metastasize to lymph nodes or other organs. The following are common and effective treatment options recommended by specialists.

Surgical Procedures
Various surgical methods aim to remove the cancerous tissue.

Excision involves removing the tumor with a small margin of healthy skin. Curettage with electrodesiccation is used primarily for small tumors less than 1 centimeter but is less suitable for larger growths. Mohs micrographic surgery offers the highest success rates for extensive or recurrent cancers, especially on the face, ears, or genitals. This precise approach removes cancer layer by layer, minimizing tissue loss but requires more time and expertise. It is particularly effective for tumors over 2 centimeters or those with nerve involvement.

Radiation therapy serves as an alternative for large or hard-to-operate areas such as the nose, eyes, or ears. It’s often recommended when surgery isn’t feasible or for recurrent cases. Younger patients may avoid initial radiation due to potential long-term side effects. It is also used to target residual cancer after surgery or when surgical removal is incomplete.

Cryotherapy
Suitable for early-stage or inoperable tumors, cryotherapy involves freezing cancer cells. However, it’s not ideal for large or invasive tumors, especially on delicate areas like the nose, eyelids, legs, or scalp.

Lymph Node Removal
For advanced cancers that have spread to nearby lymph nodes, removal may be necessary. These lymph nodes are examined microscopically for cancer cells, and further treatments like radiation may follow to reduce recurrence risk.