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A common type of skin cancer that mostly begins when UV light from the sun damages the skin and causes a cancerous tumor.
What is it?
Squamous cell carcinoma originates in the squamous cells, which constitute the middle and outer layers of the skin. This prevalent form of skin cancer is usually not life-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can increase in mass and size, potentially spreading to other body parts if it penetrates too deep into the skin. This growth can harm nerves, blood vessels, and other structures in its path.
The primary cause of squamous cell carcinoma is excessive ultraviolet light exposure, such as from sunlight, tanning beds, or lamps. It manifests as a firm bump, or nodule, on the skin. Symptoms may vary, but indications to watch out for include a rough, red, or scaly patch, a persistent open sore, a wart-like growth, or a sore appearing in an old scar. Pay a visit to Bexley Dermatology if the bump doesn't heal within two months or if the nodule doesn't disappear.
Our medical practice serves the regions of Avon, Sandusky, Broadview Heights, Medina, Port Clinton, and Strongsville, Ohio.
How is it treated?
Our team will evaluate if your squamous cell carcinoma has progressed into skin cancer by carefully examining the area of concern. If it appears to have the potential to be cancerous, we will proceed to extract a sample for further diagnostic testing. This simple biopsy process entails your dermatologist numbing the affected region and excising the entirety or a portion of the suspicious spot. The removed skin will later examined under microscope to decide if your tissue is benign (normal, non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), identify the specific type of squamous cell skin cancer, and assess if the cancer possesses any additional characteristics that might make it more aggressive or worrisome.
Our cancer specialists have advanced training and certification in a broad spectrum of skin cancer treatments, including surgical excision, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. As members of the DOCS Dermatology Group, our practice has access to groundbreaking clinical trials for cancers.
Remember: Timely detection is crucial for an effective treatment strategy. Schedule your appointment today at one of our offices in Avon, Sandusky, Broadview Heights, Medina, Port Clinton, and Strongsville, Ohio.