Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells. When caught early, most SCCs are curable. SCC of the skin is also known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that can develop in the skin, the lining of hollow organs, or the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts. It can appear as a raised growth, an open sore, a wart, or a scaly red patch.
Although squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive than basal cell cancer, the risk of this type of cancer spreading is low—as long as the cancer is treated early, doctors say. Note that the lesions must be treated with respect because they may grow rapidly and invade deeply.
Though not as common as basal cell (about one million new cases a year), squamous cell is more serious because it is likely to spread (metastasize). Treated early, the cure rate is over 90%, but metastases occur in 1%–5% of cases. After it has metastasized, it's very difficult to treat.
yep. skin cancer. i never thought it would happen to me. however, i'm very pale, light eyes and sunburn easily. and all the tanning/burning i did in my teens, early 20s has now seeming caught up. i've had this lesion that wouldn't heal since mid-August.
Treatment: Simple excision. This involves cutting out the cancer and a margin of healthy skin around it. Sometimes more skin around the tumor is removed, called a wide excision.
i have an appointment next Friday (the 18th) for the excision, in the office, local anesthetic. let's hope that's all i need.
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