When doctors at the OSUCC – James can identify cancer in its earliest stage, the chances for successful treatment are greatly increased. We’re able to provide optimal outcomes with fewer lasting side effects and get you back to enjoying your life sooner.
This is certainly true for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a skin cancer that we’re able to catch early by educating people on risk factors, such as sun exposure and having fair skin, and by performing regular screening exams. Squamous cell carcinoma is also referred to as a type of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Early detection not only helps detect skin cancer before it progresses, but it can also ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
Screening for squamous cell carcinoma
If you have certain risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma, you should talk to your doctor about your concerns. The most common screening tool for squamous cell carcinoma is a skin exam during which your health provider will examine your entire skin surface.
During the exam, you’ll change into a medical gown. Your doctor(s) will inspect your scalp/head, abdomen, buttocks, arms and legs for any concerning skin issues. They’ll look for signs of abnormal moles, birthmarks or other pigmented areas. The exam itself takes less than 15 minutes. If any follow-up is needed, including tests, your doctors will let you know.
Diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma
The following examinations and tests are used to detect and diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the skin:
Dermoscopy
Dermoscopy is a test doctors use to look closely at your skin. They use a special tool called a dermatoscope, which has a magnifying lens and a bright light. This helps them see details that are hard to spot with the naked eye, including squamous cell carcinomas. During the exam, the doctor will place the dermatoscope on your skin to check for any unusual marks, moles or spots. This test helps doctors decide if a growth might be cancerous and if further tests are needed.
Biopsy
During a biopsy, a doctor will remove a sample of skin cells so they can be analyzed under a microscope by a specially trained OSUCCC – James pathologist. This step is important to help determine if squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is present and if so, how extensive it is.
There are several ways to remove skin cells for biopsy, including:
Shave biopsy
A doctor uses a sterile blade to shave off a growth that looks abnormal. This procedure is called a shave biopsy, and it allows your doctor to collect a sample of skin cells for further analysis.
Punch biopsy
During a punch biopsy, your doctor will use a special instrument to cut out circular pieces of skin or tissue. This method allows for a deeper tissue sample to be taken, reaching additional layers of skin.
Incisional biopsy
For an incisional biopsy, the doctor uses a scalpel to remove a portion of the suspicious growth or abnormal area of skin. This procedure is useful when the lesion is large or when it’s necessary to look at a specific part of the growth more closely.
Excisional biopsy
The doctor removes the entire growth or abnormal area of skin using a scalpel during an excisional biopsy. This approach ensures that the sample includes not only the surface layers but also deeper tissue. This procedure is usually reserved for larger, more suspicious lesions.
Lymph node biopsy
A lymph node biopsy is usually reserved for SCC that may have spread. During this procedure, a surgeon removes lymph nodes or part of a lymph node near the squamous cell carcinoma and analyzes samples from them for signs of cancer.
Imaging tests for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
After a squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis, your doctor may recommend further evaluation if the cancer is localized or if it has spread, depending on your individual condition.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI uses a high-powered magnet and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body.
Computed tomography (CT) scan
A CT scan is an X-ray examination that produces a series of detailed images taken from different angles. An X-ray machine linked to a computer revolves around your body to create multidimensional images.
These two imaging tests are only used in specific situations for patients with SCC. Both imaging tests can help your doctors determine if the squamous cell carcinoma of the skin has spread and if so, to what extent.
Staging of nonmelanoma skin cancer
Staging is used to determine how advanced cancer is in an individual, and whether it has spread (metastasized) to other areas of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of nonmelanoma skin cancer that doesn’t have its own staging system. Instead, SCC is grouped alongside basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is another form of nonmelanoma skin cancer, to determine the extent and severity of disease.
If the cancer is more advanced and likely to recur, this will shape your treatment plan. There are some factors, like a tumor's location, size, shape, and how deep the cancer is in the body’s tissues. Using this information, your doctors will determine how likely the cancer is to come back and from there, will develop a treatment plan for you.
If you have received a squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion, we’re here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.