We Now Offer Online Scheduling for Your Convenience
Select Page

Homepage // Conditions / Skin Cancer / Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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

lsscny doctor deidenberg examining a patient new york, ny

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. 

lsscny photo of squamous cell carcinoma on skin new york, ny
Screenshot of American College for Mohs Surgery Logo from their YouTube channel.

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.

lsscny doctor performing mohs micrographic surgery new york, ny

Real Patients Before and After photos

Mohs Surgery to Treat Skin Cancer on the Lip

Mohs Surgery to Treat Skin Cancer on the Lip

Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.
Mohs Surgery to Treat Skin Cancer on the Cheek Near the Nose

Mohs Surgery to Treat Skin Cancer on the Cheek Near the Nose

Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.
Mohs Surgery to Treat Skin Cancer Near Ear and Cheek

Mohs Surgery to Treat Skin Cancer Near Ear and Cheek

Disclaimer: Results may vary from patient to patient. Results are not guaranteed.

In The News

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.

Next, read about…

Can Dermal Fillers Help Reverse Acne Scars?

Can Dermal Fillers Help Reverse Acne Scars?

Homepage // Blog / Can Dermal Fillers Help Reverse Acne Scars?Acne scars are not curable, but dermal fillers can improve their appearance by reducing their size and depth. Fillers fill in and lift depressed scars by replacing lost volume to create a smoother...

We Predict What the Best Anti-Aging Treatments Will Be In 2023

We Predict What the Best Anti-Aging Treatments Will Be In 2023

Homepage // Blog / We Predict What the Best Anti-Aging Treatments Will Be In 2023Anti-aging procedures have advanced significantly over the past decade and continue to become more convenient and effective with each passing year. At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of...

5 Best Treatments for Tired Eyes in New York City

5 Best Treatments for Tired Eyes in New York City

Homepage // Blog / 5 Best Treatments for Tired Eyes in New York CityTired eyes are a common complaint among many individuals and can be caused by various factors, including lack of sleep, environmental irritants, stress, and signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging...

Haven’t found

WHAT you are looking for?

patient approved

Trusted Worldwide

patient approved

Trusted Worldwide

Our 30,000+ sq foot dermatology center in New York is the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art laser and cosmetic skin surgery center in the world. Over the past 30 years we have contributed to the development and testing of many devices, fillers and treatments that are now standard care, so our patients know they are always receiving the most innovative, cutting-edge treatment available.

laser & skin surgery

center of new york

Contact us 

Manhattan:

 

317 East 34th Street New York, NY 10016

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Same-Day Appointments Now Available 

(212) 941-5055

Southampton:

 

325 Meeting House Lane, Bldg. 1, Ste. C Southampton, NY 11968

Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Same-Day Appointments Now Available 

(631) 305-2402

Pay Online for Patients of Drs. Geronemus, Anolik, Bae & Seidenberg

Pay Online for Patients of Drs. Abraham, Bernstein, Krant, Shelton, Stern, Weiss, Hoffman, Shim, Murphy-Rose, Wilson, and Petratos

Navaderm logo

By LASER & SKIN SURGERY CENTER OF NEW YORK® | © 2024 All Rights Reserved. Design & Development by Goldman Marketing Group | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions. If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact us at 212.941.5055.

*MDs perform 100% of all medical and cosmetic treatments.