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squamous cell
carcinoma
A squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, which is usually not serious unless it has been neglected.
squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It begins in the squamous cells that make up the epidermis and characterized by their abnormal and accelerated growth. SCCs are typically found on areas of the skin that get the most sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, lips, upper back, arms, hands, legs, and bald spots on the top of the head, but can also occur in other areas of the body, including the genitals. SCCs can appear as open sores that don’t heal, red patches, rough or thickened skin, a raised growth with a central depression, or a growing bump that may have a scaly surface. SCC is one of the many skin conditions our board-certified dermatologists treat at Laser & Skin Center of New York.
What treatment is available?
A sore that does not heal can be a sign of squamous cell cancer. Any change in an existing wart, mole, or other skin lesions could be a sign of skin cancer.
Call for an appointment if you see the lesion change in:
- Appearance
- Color
- Size
- Texture
Also, call if you have pain, inflammation, bleeding, or itching of an existing skin lesion.
Squamous cell carcinoma is treated with surgical excision or Mohs micrographic surgery. Laser treatments can also be used after treatment to minimize the appearance of post-operative scarring.
WHAT IS MOHS MICROGRAPHIC SURGERY?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized technique for the removal of certain types of skin cancer. The skin cancer is removed one layer at a time and analyzed microscopically while you are in the office. Once the skin layer is removed, it is stained and carefully diagrammed. It is then processed immediately in the office by a specially trained technician who converts the tissue into micrographic slides. These slides are then reviewed by the physician to determine if all of the malignant cells have been removed. If there is residual tumor, it is possible to determine precisely where it is located since the tissue was previously diagrammed. The exact area where the tissue persists is then removed by taking another layer of tissue, and the process is repeated. The surgery itself takes only several minutes; however, the tissue processing takes anywhere from twenty minutes to one hour, and then upon examination of the slides, a decision is made as to whether or not further surgery is indicated. Each procedure where tissue is removed is referred to as a stage. The term Mohs refers to Dr. Frederick Mohs, who initiated its use in the early 1960s.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF MOHS SURGERY?
The technique offers the highest possible cure rate for the treatment of skin cancer, compared to other therapeutic modalities. Mohs surgery also allows the physician to remove as little normal tissue as possible around the tumor, and thus in many cases can provide a superior cosmetic result. Another advantage is that with many large skin cancers, hospitalization can be avoided by performing Mohs surgery on an out-patient basis.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SURGERY IS COMPLETED?
There will be a wound following the completion of the Mohs surgery. There are several options to allow for healing. These options include allowing the wound to heal by itself, suturing through primary closure, skin grafting, and skin flaps. We sometimes choose to use lasers to help the healing process at the time of the procedure and also during the healing phase. In almost all cases we perform the repair of the wound on-site immediately following Mohs surgery. We can also use lasers to minimize the appearance of scars after Mohs surgery. It is, however, always your option to select another surgeon for the reconstruction of the postoperative wound.
Click here for more information about Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Real Patients Before and After photos
Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer on the side of the nose
Mohs surgery to treat skin cancer on the scalp
Mohs Surgery and Skin Graft to Treat Cancer on the Nose
In The News
Elle
Robert T. Anolik, M.D.
New York Times
squamous cell carcinoma
Questions and Answers
Q: Are There Any Pre-Operative Instructions That I Should Follow?
A: Aspirin, aspirin-containing products and anti-inflammatory medications (such as Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, and Aleve), as well as vitamin E, should be avoided for one week prior to the surgery. If you are taking anti-coagulants or having clotting problems, please let the doctor know. You should otherwise continue to take all of your medicines and you should have a breakfast or lunch prior to the surgery. Heavy alcohol use and smoking should also be avoided for one week prior to your surgery.
Q: How Many Stages Of Surgery Will I Undergo?
A: The average patient undergoes two stages or procedures although 40% of all patients only require one stage.
Q: What Are The Chances That My Skin Cancer Will Return After The Mohs Surgery?
A: Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rate of any treatment method. When the surgery is performed at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, recurrence rates are less than 1%.
Q: Why Choose An ACMS Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon?
A: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in America and early treatment from an experienced physician is vital. Most of our Mohs Surgeons here at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York undergo extensive Fellowship training under Roy G. Geronemus, M.D. Mohs micrographic surgery is a procedure that is widely accepted as the most effective method of treating many types of skin cancer. Fellowship training from the American College of Mohs Surgery indicates a higher level of education and skill which our physicians obtain in order to provide patients with the best possible care.
Our Mohs surgeons are amongst the most experienced in New York. In addition to their qualifications and experience, our laboratory is CLIA approved and accredited by the AAAHC. The procedures are performed in a comfortable outpatient setting with a warm and caring staff of registered nurses who assist our surgeons.
The ACMS, otherwise known as the American College of Mohs Surgery or Mohs College, was established in 1967. It was named after Frederic Mohs, MD, who developed the procedure and served as the first president of the Mohs College. From its inception, the Mohs College has promoted and continues to set the highest standards of patient care relating to the management of skin cancers, Mohs surgery, and reconstruction through its fellowship training process.
Q: What Are The Alternatives To Mohs Surgery?
A: Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice for recurrent skin cancers, skin cancers that arise in the skin that had previous x-ray treatment, and skin cancers near vital organs such as the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. For uncomplicated skin cancers, alternative treatments include routine surgical excision, x-ray treatments or destruction of the tumor by burning or freezing, although the cure rate of these treatments is less than Mohs surgery.
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