Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamos cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common types of skin cancer. In the United States alone, it is estimated there are more than 200,000 new cases of SCC per year. Thanks to the advances in today’s technology, we are able to offer the most state-of-the-art squamos cell carcinoma treatment available in Santa Clarita. Although most SCC’s are not serious, a small percentage of cases can spread to other parts of the body, which can often times, be deathly.

The most common cause of SCC’s is overexposure to the sun. Generally, tumors appear on the face, rim of the ears, neck, hands, shoulders, arms, back and bald scalp. Also, areas that have scars, burns and long-standing sores as a result of certain injuries may be more susceptible to developing squamos cell carcinoma. Very seldom does squamos cell carcinoma develop spontaneously on what may appear to be healthy skin.

Everyone has some risk of developing melanoma. Certain factors can increase one’s risk in developing skin cancer, including: skin type, family history, sun exposure and the amount of moles present on the body.

Skin Type
People with fair skin are at a higher risk of developing melanoma.

Family History
If your mother, father, sibling or children have had melanoma, you have a 50 percent chance of being developing melanoma. While the risk is not as great, if your grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew has had the cancer, there is still an increased risk.

Sun Exposure
The risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, is increased by excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays. While early childhood blistering sunburns can increase one’s risk of developing melanoma, cumulative sun exposure is a larger factor. People living closer to the equator (Florida, Hawaii and Australia) receive more sunlight year round, therefore, the number of people developing skin cancer is greater. Using tanning beds can also increase your chance of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer, so we recommend you avoid these.

How to recognize squamos cell carcinoma
As Squamos cell tumors first develop they are usually thick, coarse, horny and shallow. As they progress, they will develop a raised border and crusty surface. If an area persistently appears scaly, brownish-red and scaly, please contact us to schedule an evaluation as this could be precancerous. Also, if you notice any change in your skin that appears abnormal or won’t heal, please contact us. Early detection is the key for successful treatment of precancers and cancers.

While there is no best treatment available for skin cancers and precancers, we offer a wide range of services to treat your individual case. Our doctors will work with you individually, considering a number of factors (location, size, type, etc.) to help determine the best type of treatment for you.