Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Skin & Laser Center of NJ

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Ramsey, NJ

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment for Skin Cancer in New Jersey
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer in the United States, affecting over 1.5 million people annually. This type of cancer develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. Early detection and treatment are critical, as SCC is highly treatable in its initial stages.

Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma

SCC typically arises in areas of the skin that have experienced prolonged sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, and hands. Key facts about SCC include:

Appearance: Can present as scaly, red patches, open sores, or firm, raised bumps that may crust or bleed
Risk factors: Include fair skin, a history of sunburns, excessive UV exposure, tanning bed use, weakened immune systems, and certain genetic conditions
Progression: If untreated, SCC can grow larger and potentially spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, increasing the risk of serious complications

Our dermatologists emphasize patient education, helping individuals recognize early warning signs and understand factors that increase their risk. Timely evaluation and treatment greatly improve outcomes.

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

At Skin & Laser Center of NJ, we provide a range of effective treatment options for SCC, customized based on the size, location, and stage of the lesion:

Surgical Excision: Complete removal of the cancerous tissue with minimal impact on surrounding healthy skin
Mohs Surgery: A precise technique that removes cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, ideal for facial lesions
Topical Medications: Used in select cases for superficial SCCs
Follow-up Care: Regular monitoring and skin checks to prevent recurrence and identify any new lesions early

Our goal is to achieve complete removal of cancerous tissue while prioritizing cosmetic outcomes, patient comfort, and long-term skin health.

Prevention and Ongoing Care

Reducing the risk of developing additional SCC lesions involves a combination of sun protection, lifestyle changes, and routine dermatologic care:

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days
Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors
Avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure during peak hours
Perform self-examinations to detect new or changing spots
Schedule routine dermatology visits for professional skin evaluations

Through these preventive measures, combined with timely treatment of existing lesions, patients can maintain healthier skin and lower the risk of future skin cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

Squamous cell carcinoma is most likely to develop in areas of the skin that are most commonly exposed to the sun, including the scalp, the backs of the hands, the ears, and the face. This does not mean that it can’t also be found elsewhere, so it’s important to examine your entire body when performing routine skin cancer self-examinations.

Squamous cell carcinoma can present in a variety of ways, but these are some of the most common signs:

A nodule or firm bump on the skin, which might be the same color as the surrounding area, or it might be pink, red, or brown
A flat sore with a scaly crust
A rough, scaly area that appears reddish
A wart-like growth
A sore developing in an old scar

If you encounter any skin irregularities while performing a skin cancer self-examination, and are concerned about possible squamous cell carcinoma or other cancers, contact our experienced providers at Skin & Laser Center of NJ for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options Are Available in Our New Jersey Office?

A squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis typically comes after one of our well-trained providers has examined the area and performed a skin biopsy. Following this diagnosis, the first and primary goal of treatment is to remove the cancerous cells before they have an opportunity to spread. Removing a squamous cell carcinoma is usually a minor procedure with a very high success rate.

Depending on the location and size of the squamous cell carcinoma growth, there are several methods that may be used to remove the tumor:

Wide local excision is the most common skin cancer removal treatment. It involves using a scalpel to remove the cancerous growth, along with a small margin of healthy skin around it. Stitches are then placed to close the wound.
Curettage and electrodessication involves scraping away the top layer of the cancerous tumor with a tool called a curette. An electric needle is then used to cauterize the area. This is performed with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. The wound heals slowly over several weeks.
Photodynamic therapy involves the application of a medication that causes cancer cells to become sensitive to a specific light. After a few hours, the area is exposed to the light, and the cells die.
Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard of skin cancer treatment. This approach involves removing the cancerous tissue one layer at a time and examining it under a microscope to determine whether there are any cancerous cells left. The process continues until no cancer cells remain. The wound will either be sutured or left to heal, depending on many factors.
Radiation therapy relies on a powerful energy beam to kill cancer cells. This can also be used after surgery if there is an increased risk the cancer will return.

While there are many effective treatment methods available at Skin & Laser Center of NJ, prevention is always the better option. There are steps everyone can take to help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These measures include:

Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun all year.
Wearing a hat and UV protective clothing.
Looking for shady areas when outside.
Avoiding the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Using broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Reapplying sunscreen every two hours after getting the skin wet.
Not using tanning beds.

Patients interested in learning more about proactive preventive procedures including photodynamic therapy and topical chemotherapy can schedule an appointment with our care providers.

In addition to squamous cell carcinoma, our Skin & Laser Center of NJ providers also offer care for patients with basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, as well as other medical dermatology conditions, such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

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Convenient walk in hours available below. No appointment needed! Accepting private insurance and medicare. No medicaid plans.

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with Healthy Skin in New Jersey

Learn more about medical treatments at New Jersey’s Skin & Laser Center of NJ. Call 201-500-7525 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.