Table of Contents
- Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment Options at a Glance
- What is the best treatment for squamous cell skin cancer?
- Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment Options
- Excisional Surgery
- Mohs Surgery
- Curettage and Electrodesiccation
- Cryosurgery
- Image-Guided SRT
- What to expect with Image-Guided SRT
- Are there side effects with Image-Guided SRT?
- Topical Therapy
- How to care for your skin during treatment
- Contact GentleCure With Additional Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions About Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment
Squamous cell skin cancer is generally treatable, especially when found early. Common treatment options may include excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, topical therapy, and Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, also called Image-Guided SRT. The right treatment depends on factors such as the cancer’s size, depth, location, and your provider’s recommendation.
For eligible patients, Image-Guided SRT may be considered as a non-surgical treatment option for certain squamous cell skin cancers. It uses low-energy x-rays to target the cancer over a series of treatments, with ultrasound imaging used to help your care team see and monitor the treated area.
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment Options at a Glance
- Squamous cell skin cancer is often treatable when found early.
- Treatment options may include excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, topical therapy, or Image-Guided SRT.
- The right treatment depends on the cancer’s size, depth, location, and whether it has spread.
- Image-Guided SRT may be an option for eligible patients seeking a non-surgical treatment approach.
- Patients should speak with a qualified provider to determine which treatment option may be appropriate.
What is the best treatment for squamous cell skin cancer?
The best treatment for squamous cell skin cancer depends on the cancer’s size, depth, location, and whether it has spread. Common options include excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, topical therapy, and Image-Guided SRT for eligible patients. Your dermatologist or care team can recommend the most appropriate option based on your diagnosis.
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment Options
| Treatment Option | How It Works | When It May Be Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Excisional Surgery | Removes the cancer and a margin of surrounding tissue. | Often used for smaller squamous cell skin cancers that have not spread. |
| Mohs Surgery | Removes thin layers of tissue one at a time until no cancer cells remain. | Often used for cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue is important. |
| Curettage and Electrodesiccation | Scrapes away cancerous tissue and uses heat to destroy remaining abnormal cells. | May be used for certain small, superficial, or lower-risk skin cancers when recommended by a provider. |
| Cryosurgery | Freezes abnormal tissue with liquid nitrogen. | May be used for certain early or superficial skin cancers. |
| Image-Guided SRT | Uses low-energy x-rays with ultrasound imaging to target the cancer. | May be an option for eligible patients seeking a non-surgical approach. |
| Topical Therapy | Uses medicated cream applied to the affected area. | Typically reserved for certain superficial cases when recommended by a provider. |
Excisional Surgery
Excisional surgery is frequently recommended for small squamous cell skin cancers that are found early and have not spread. A scalpel is used to remove the visible cancer, along with a margin of healthy tissue around the area.
After the tissue is removed, the skin may be closed with sutures and sent to a lab for testing. If cancer cells are found within the margin of healthy tissue, your provider may recommend additional treatment or follow-up care.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is another commonly recommended method for treating squamous cell skin cancer. It is often used when the cancer is recurring, located in an area where preserving healthy tissue is important, or when the provider wants to confirm that all cancer cells have been removed.
During the procedure, thin layers of skin are removed and checked under a microscope until no more cancer cells are detected. Mohs surgery can be especially useful for areas such as the face, ears, nose, eyelids, or other cosmetically sensitive areas.
You can also learn more about Image-Guided SRT vs Mohs surgery if you are comparing treatment options with your provider.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation
Curettage and electrodesiccation is a treatment method that may be used for certain small, superficial, or lower-risk squamous cell skin cancers. During this procedure, the provider scrapes away cancerous tissue and uses heat to destroy remaining abnormal cells.
This treatment is not appropriate for every squamous cell skin cancer. Your provider can determine whether it may be suitable based on the cancer’s size, depth, location, and other clinical factors.
Cryosurgery
When squamous cell skin cancer is found very early and has not penetrated beyond the first layers of the skin, cryosurgery may be considered. This treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze abnormal tissue.
Cryosurgery may not be appropriate for every type of squamous cell skin cancer. Your provider can determine whether this option is suitable based on the type, size, depth, and location of the cancer.
Image-Guided SRT
Image-Guided SRT is a non-surgical treatment option that may be considered for eligible patients with certain squamous cell skin cancers. Instead of cutting the skin, Image-Guided SRT uses low-energy x-rays to target cancer cells over a series of treatment sessions.
The treatment also uses high-frequency ultrasound imaging, which allows the care team to view the cancer and monitor changes during treatment. This imaging component helps guide the treatment area and may support a more personalized treatment approach.
Image-Guided SRT may be especially relevant for patients who are concerned about surgery,, downtime, or treatment in cosmetically sensitive areas. Eligibility depends on the diagnosis, size, depth, location, and provider recommendation.
What to expect with Image-Guided SRT
If Image-Guided SRT is recommended for your squamous cell skin cancer, your provider will determine how many treatment sessions are needed. Treatment is typically delivered over multiple visits, and it is important to attend all scheduled sessions unless your care team gives different instructions.
Before starting treatment, tell your provider if you have a cardiac pacemaker, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant during treatment. On treatment days, your care team may also ask you not to apply makeup, creams, lotions, or ointments to the treatment area unless instructed.
You can learn more about what to expect during Image-Guided SRT treatment.
Are there side effects with Image-Guided SRT?
As with any medical procedure, Image-Guided SRT may have potential side effects. The most common side effects are usually mild to moderate and may include irritation, redness, thinning, or breakdown of the skin in the treated area, which may increase the risk of a skin infection.
These side effects can typically be cared for by your provider and usually go away within 2 to 6 weeks after treatment ends. Some patients may notice that the treated skin becomes darker or lighter, and hair loss can occur within the treatment field.
When Image-Guided SRT is used on or near the nose, nosebleeds may occur as a potential side effect, often related to dryness in the nasal passages. Your provider may recommend care instructions to help manage dryness or irritation.
Rare side effects may include a skin ulcer that does not heal or another cancer forming in the same area 20 to 40 years after treatment. Your provider will review potential risks before treatment begins and can recommend care instructions during and after treatment.
You can read more about side effects of superficial radiation therapy.
Topical Therapy
Like cryosurgery, topical therapy is typically reserved for superficial squamous cell skin cancers. The patient may be prescribed a cream or gel to apply to the affected area for a set period of time, according to the provider’s instructions.
Topical medication targets and destroys cancer cells at the surface of the skin. Your provider can determine whether topical therapy is appropriate based on the type and depth of the cancer.
How to care for your skin during treatment
Your care team will provide specific instructions based on your treatment plan. In general, patients may be asked to gently clean the treatment area, avoid harsh products, limit sun exposure, apply sunscreen, and wear sun-protective clothing when outdoors.
Patients should also continue regular skin exams with a dermatologist as recommended. Skin cancer can develop in more than one area, so ongoing monitoring is an important part of long-term skin health.
Contact GentleCure With Additional Questions
Patients now have more options than ever for how to treat squamous cell skin cancer. These options allow each patient to make a choice with their care team that fits their diagnosis, treatment goals, and provider recommendation.
If you are considering a non-surgical treatment option, you can ask your provider whether Image-Guided SRT may be appropriate for your condition. You can also call us at 855-936-4411 and speak with a Skin Cancer Information Specialist to learn more about GentleCure and find a participating dermatology practice near you. Our goal is to help you make a well-informed treatment decision, whatever that decision may be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment
Squamous cell skin cancer may be treated with excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, topical therapy, or Image-Guided SRT. The right treatment depends on the cancer’s size, depth, location, and provider recommendation.
In some cases, eligible patients may be able to consider non-surgical treatment options such as Image-Guided SRT. A qualified provider can determine whether a non-surgical option is appropriate based on the diagnosis and clinical factors.
Mohs surgery is commonly used for certain squamous cell skin cancers, especially in areas where preserving healthy tissue is important. However, it is not the only treatment option. Your provider can explain whether Mohs surgery, excisional surgery, Image-Guided SRT, or another option may be appropriate.
Image-Guided SRT is a non-surgical treatment option that uses low-energy x-rays to target certain nonmelanoma skin cancers. It also uses ultrasound imaging to help the care team view and monitor the treatment area.
Your care team will consider the type of skin cancer, size, depth, location, medical history, and treatment goals. Patients should speak with a qualified provider to understand which treatment option may be appropriate.
