Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer in the UK.
While not usually life-threatening, it’s always important to have any skin changes checked and treated promptly. Get in touch today to find out how the team at The Dermatology Clinic can help.
Squamous cell carcinoma tends to affect areas that are frequently exposed to UV rays, such as the head and face, arms, hands, neck and legs. It’s often a slow-growing cancer, but treating it early is important in order to avoid the cancer spreading and causing complications. Find more information below on squamous cell carcinoma, and treatments available at The Dermatology Clinic London.
About squamous cell carcinoma (SSC)
Squamous cell carcinoma are a malignant tumour on the skin’s surface, usually found on the head, neck, ears and back although they can occur on any part of the body. They typically appear as a raised, scaly or crusty area of skin with an inflamed, red base. Sometimes an SCC can feel tender or sore and sometimes they bleed or appear as an ulcer.
This type of skin cancer can spread. It’s therefore important to get any non-healing lesion on your skin looked at by a dermatologist as soon as you can. The Dermatology Clinic offers a range of treatments to remove the tumour.
Squamous cell carcinoma treatment
When treating squamous cell carcinoma, our dermatologists will usually perform a surgical procedure. We will remove the lesion with a margin of normal skin around it. Don’t worry about feeling pain; your dermatologist will inject a local anaesthetic to the area so you’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure.
In some cases, SCC is treated using radiotherapy. We may recommend radiotherapy if,
- the SCC covers a large area
- it is on an area of your body that is difficult to operate on
- you don’t want to undergo surgery
In this instance, our consultants will arrange a referral to a clinical oncologist who will use high energy rays onto the skin to destroy the cancer cells. This will normally be carried out over several sessions to ensure all the cancerous cells have been removed.
“ Skin cancer rates have been steadily on the rise over the past 30 years, it’s essential for people to check their skin regularly, making it a part of their routine. Early detection saves lives. ”
Ease your mind – If you’re worried about SCC and think you might have symptoms, try not to panic. The sooner you get your lesion seen to by a qualified dermatologist at The Dermatology Clinic, the sooner you’ll be able to put your mind at rest. Our consultants can provide an accurate diagnosis and give you the treatment you need at the earliest possible opportunity. Call to take the first step today.
