Anyone can get squamous cell carcinoma. It's most common in people who've had a lot of sun exposure, are immunocompromised, have tanned extensively, have an HPV infection, smoke, or who have lighter skin. A large risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma is having actinic keratinosis. These growths can grow into squamous cell carcinoma.

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When DNA of the squamous cells in your body becomes damaged, it can cause mutations, which then cause cancerous growths to form. The main cause of the damage that results in squamous cell carcinoma is sun damage. This can be as a result of natural sun exposure, lack of wearing sunscreen, or even from indoor tanning.

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There are many treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma. In most cases, surgical removal of some type is used. One option for this is curettage, which is the cutting out of the cancerous tissue. Electrodesiccation can also be performed, where electrical currents are used to destroy any remaining cancerous tissue. Moh's surgery is a specific surgical procedure that removes all cancerous tissue while leaving all healthy tissue intact. Other treatments that can be effective are radiation therapy, or cryotherapy.

Our friendly, helpful staff at Elias Dermatology will help you determine what path of treatment is best for you. Schedule a consultation to get started.

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Every patient with squamous cell carcinoma is different. As a result, the type and length of treatment is different as well. Your particular case may only require a small surgical procedure, or it may require extensive treatment. There's no need to worry or suffer from uncertainty - the experts at Elias Dermatology will walk you through every step of the way and answer any and all questions you may have.

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