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Bowen's disease on the hand
Bowen's disease on the hand
Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma
Skin cancer, squamous cell - close-up
Skin cancer, squamous cell - close-up
Skin cancer, squamous cell on the hands
Skin cancer, squamous cell on the hands
Squamous cell carcinoma - invasive
Squamous cell carcinoma - invasive
Cheilitis, actinic
Cheilitis, actinic
Squamous cell cancer
Squamous cell cancer
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

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.

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 prevention should be diligent. 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.

Review Date: 11/7/2002
Reviewed By: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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