Squamous Cell Cancer Treatments

SCCs or squamous cell cancers are the second commonest form of skin cancer, behind basal cell cancers. These cancers can rapidly grow in size & spread to distant sites if not diagnosed & managed early. 

SCCs are mostly seen in elderly patients, however, can be seen at any age. These cancers appear exposed skin, especially scalps, ears, neck, &  the backs of hands. They are also seen on the lips, particularly in smokers. 

SCCs appear as a warty thickened lump often ulcerating or bleeding. They range in size from a few millimetres to centimetres. They commonly arise within pre-existing sun damaged skin. Solar keratosis or sunspots can be a precursor to squamous cell cancers.

These cancers can be classified according to their level of ‘abnormal cells.’

• Well differentiated SCC tend to grow slowly with a very low chance of spread.
• Moderately differentiated SCC a slightly higher rate of growth and chance of spread than well differentiated tumours.
• Poorly differentiated SCC often rapidly growing and highly likely to spread if left untreated.

SCC are also more common in those with immune deficiencies, including transplant patients.

Squamous carcinomas tend to look like lumps arising from the skin with a scaly surface. They tend to grow over time. A rapidly growing SCC is often a variant known as a keratoacanthoma. 

SCCs are commonly found on areas of the body which are more frequently exposed to sunlight, including the face, head, neck, & hands. Lower limb involvement is not uncommon.  

Squamous carcinomas are most often treated with surgical excision. 

The earlier your squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed & treated, the less the cosmetic disfigurement & the less chance of recurrence or metastatic spread.

Non-surgical treatments including photodynamic therapy & Aldara are appropriate for thin, non-invasive SCCs known as intraepithelial carcinoma or SCC in situ. These treatments are not advocated for invasive squamous cell cancers. 

In some cases, your dermatologist may opt for superficial radiotherapy to treat multiple cancers, or as adjuvant therapy for aggressive SCCs that involve high risk areas. Examples include SCCs with nerve spread or poorly differentiated squamous cell cancers. 

KAs or keratoacanthomas are a variant of squamous cell cancers. These cancers grow rapidly, often doubling in size every 2-3 weeks. These cancers are mostly seen in elderly patients, on sun exposed sites. Unlike traditional SCCs, keratoacanthomas rarely spread, & frequently involute over 12 to 16 weeks. Treatment options include- 

• Excision
• Curettage & cautery
• Superficial radiotherapy
• Intralesional chemotherapy 
• Vitamin A tablets

These cancers are best managed by dermatologists, especially for patients with recurrent cancers. 

Our training enables us to manage high risk skin cancer patients. For this group, check-ups are conducted at 3-4 month intervals. We also consider chemoprophylaxis in high risk groups, including-

• • Neotigison or Acitretin

• Field therapies

• Niacinamide supplementation
• Joint management with plastics & radiation oncologist
• Consideration of a change in immune suppression if indicated

SCCs on the lips are not infrequent in Brisbane – Queensland. The two main predisposing factors include smoking & UV radiation. 

SCC on the lips have a higher rate of metastatic spread to distant sites- up to 20%. Early diagnosis & treatment reduces mortality. 

Sunspots or actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, are premalignant lesions. Sunspots have the potential to give rise to squamous cell cancers. The incidence ranges from less than 1% to 5%, depending on the literature review.

On this basis we advocate treatments of multiple solar keratosis as this reduces the incidence of skin cancers, but most importantly clears up sun damage to allow for early detection of clinically significant & possibly sinister lesions. 

SCCs can be associated with a high mortality rate, especially if picked up late. This especially applies to poorly differentiated squamous cell cancers on the head & neck, especially in immunocompromised patients. 

High risk patients are seen every 3 to 4 months. In some cases, your dermatologist may consider methods to reduce the incidence of ‘squamoproliferative lesions’ including-

• Neotigison (vitamin A)
• Field radiation to areas (superficial XRT) 
• PDT to field changes (photodynamic therapy) 

Your dermatologist will often work with plastics, ENT, radiation oncologist & the Head & Neck team to manage your cancers. 

Dermatologists have an additional 5 years of formal education & expertise in the management of skin cancers, including squamous cell cancers. We manage skin cancers that are far beyond the level of experience of skin cancer general practitioners.

Our tertiary hospital training enables us to manage high risk patients, including immunosuppression, as well as rare & aggressive tumours. 

It is recommended to use a high factor of sunscreen no matter your skin type. SPF 50+ is recommended. The correct amount of sunscreen is equal to half to one teaspoon every 4-6 hours to cover the face & neck. 

Good brands include Sun Sense, Neutrogena, Cancer Council & La Roche Posay.