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2nd Most Prevalent Form of Skin Cancer
1.8 Million Diagnosed with SCC in the US Each Year
5,400 Deaths from SCC Every Month Worldwide
SPF 15 or higher sunscreen lowers risk of getting SCC by 40%
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an aggressive form of skin cancer that primarily develops due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This type of skin cancer is among the most common, with numerous cases of SCC being reported annually. The most commonly affected areas of the body are those that are frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, head, neck, lips, ears, hands, shoulders, and arms.
SCC initially appears as an abnormal growth or lesion on the skin that is red and scaly or raised. In some rare cases, it appears as a hard, scaly bump. If left untreated, SCC can lead to fatal consequences as it gradually progresses and potentially spreads to other parts of the body.
Given the severity of this type of cancer, it is essential to act quickly and seek treatment as soon as any abnormality in the skin is detected. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in effectively managing and controlling SCC. Be sure to consult a dermatologist or skin specialist if you notice any unusual changes in your skin.
Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. In the United States alone, it is estimated that over one million cases of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed every year. It typically occurs on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms. Risk factors for developing squamous cell skin cancer include prolonged exposure to the sun, use of tanning beds, fair skin, and a history of skin cancer. It is important to regularly check your skin for any changes or abnormalities and to consult a dermatologist if you notice any suspicious areas or growths. Early detection and treatment of squamous cell skin cancer can lead to a high cure rate and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare professional, including a dermatologist, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. The examination typically involves a visual inspection of any suspicious or abnormal skin lesions and a comprehensive medical history evaluation to identify any risk factors, such as sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer.
If a healthcare professional suspects that a skin lesion may be cancerous, a biopsy may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
In some cases, additional imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas of the body. These tests are particularly useful for larger or more advanced cases of squamous cell carcinoma.
The latest method for treating Squamous Cell Carcinoma is Superficial Radiation Therapy, or SRT. It targets and attacks non-melanoma skin cancer cells at the source without cutting the skin. Furthermore, there is no downtime and patients can return to their everyday lives right after treatment!
SRT skin cancer treatment can remove lesions on the arms, legs, back, and trunk, and it is especially efficient in treating skin cancers on the face, head and neck. It can deliver a controlled dose of Superficial Radiation Therapy to delicate areas that are hard to treat, such as those along the fold of the nose, eyelids, lips, corner of the mouth and lining of the ear. Superficial Radiation Therapy is also highly effective in the treatment of keloid scars.
The skin cancer is removed from the skin in a surgical procedure involving cutting, creating a wound and ultimately a scar.
Uses SRT technology to penetrate beneath the skin directly into the cancer, shrinking the tumor and over several treatments, curing it.
Surgery and cutting is the only way of knowing the size and depth of the skin cancer.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is needed to dull the pain prior to cutting the skin.
Short treatment sessions performed over the course of several weeks.
Local anesthesia is needed to dull the pain prior to cutting the skin.
Local anesthesia is needed to dull the pain prior to cutting the skin.
You can resume daily activities immediately as there is no bleeding or wounds from surgery.
Daily activities and showering are put on hold while the wound heals. The wound also requires constant care including bandage and dressing changes.
No scarring.
Reconstructive surgery may be necessary to correct scarring and deformities.
One or more skin cancer locations can be treated during the same session.
Only a single location can be treated in a session.
SRT cures over 98% of Basal and Squamous cell skin cancers.
On average MOHS works 96% to 98% of the time and may require additional surgery.
Covered by Medicare and Supplemental Insurance.
Covered by Medicare and Supplemental Insurance.
Can be performed on-location in the mobile MSS clinic.
Must be performed in a sterile surgical setting to avoid infection.
No risk of surgical infections.
Risk of serious infection during and after procedure.