What Is the First Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a skin cancer arising from squamous cells. It may look like a scaly patch, a firm bump, a crusted sore or a lesion that repeatedly bleeds or does not heal. Diagnosis commonly involves examination and sometimes a biopsy. Surgery aims to remove the cancer with a margin of surrounding skin. Mohs surgery examines tissue margins during the procedure and may be considered in selected sites or when preserving nearby healthy tissue matters.

Arrange timely review with a dermatologist or skin-cancer surgeon and bring a list of medicines, allergies and previous skin procedures. Do not pick, burn or repeatedly cover a suspicious lesion without assessment. Once treatment is planned, ask how the wound will be closed, how to protect it, whether tissue will be examined, and when the result and follow-up plan will be available.

Seek prompt assessment for a sore that enlarges, bleeds easily, becomes painful, develops a thick crust or fails to heal. A lesion near the eye, nose, lip, ear, fingers or genitals deserves careful planning because these areas contain important structures. After surgery, contact the treating team for persistent bleeding, spreading redness, pus, fever or worsening pain.

Ask whether the diagnosis is confirmed, which operation fits the site and risk features, how much tissue may be removed, and how pathology results guide further care. Ask about scar care, sun protection and the schedule for checking the rest of your skin.