Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Specialist

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer that can invade the body. At Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology, the dermatologists use the latest technology to treat squamous cell carcinoma before it affects your deeper tissues. Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek and Toccoa, GA, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops in the squamous cells in the middle layer of the skin. The second most common skin cancer, SCC, typically isn’t a life-threatening disease. However, it’s more invasive and quicker to metastasize (spread) than basal cell carcinoma. It’s an aggressive cancer that can invade the deeper layers of your skin.

What are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma?

The symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include:

• - Open sore or ulcer
• - Red, raised nodule
• - Lip sore
• - Red patch of skin inside your mouth
• - Red sore that resembles a wart
• - Rough, scaly patch of skin
• - Flat lesion with a crusty border

Although SCC typically develops in areas of the skin exposed to the sun, it doesn’t always. Some SCCs grow inside the mouth or genitals, which rarely see sun exposure.

What causes squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cells are flat cells in the surface layer of your skin and in the lining of many of your body’s organs. You also have squamous cells in the linings of the digestive and respiratory tracts. SCC can develop in these cells, but it’s commonly seen in areas frequently exposed to the sun. Risk factors for developing SCC include:

• Having fair skin
• Using tanning beds
• Having a past skin cancer, like basal cell carcinoma
• Past sunburns
• Having a weakened immune system
• Having a history of precancers (actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, etc.)

You’re more likely to develop SCC if you have blonde or red hair, freckles, light-colored eyes, or if your skin burns more often than it tans.

How is squamous cell carcinoma treated?

The standard treatments for SCC include:

Mohs surgery

The experienced Mohs surgeons at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology can remove your cancerous lesion layer by layer. This technique ensures that every cancer cell is gone without damaging your surrounding healthy tissue.

Excisional surgery

Excisional surgery removes the entire tumor and some of the surrounding skin. When the lab tests the tumor, they check the surrounding skin for cancer cells. If there are cancer cells in that margin, you may need additional surgery.

Electrosurgery

During electrosurgery, your dermatologist shaves the lesion with a sharp instrument. They then apply heat or a chemical agent to destroy the remaining cancer cells.

Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about SCC and its treatment.