Do you feel uncomfortable by the appearance any unknown appearance on your skin? Are you worried that it just might be cancerous? Dr. Steve Musick, and his team of highly skilled dermatology professionals are here to help you. We treat all ages of patients in the Swansea, IL and metropolitan St. Louis area.
About Skin Cancer:
Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancers, affecting more than one million Americans every year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Skin cancers are generally curable if caught early.
However, people who have had skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing a new skin cancer, which is why regular self-examination and doctor visits are imperative.
The vast majority of skin cancers are composed of three different types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cells are found in the upper layer (the surface) of the epidermis. They present as a crusted or scaly patch of skin with an inflamed, red base. They are often tender to the touch. It is estimated that 250,000 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed annually, and that 2,500 of them result in death.
What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma can develop anywhere, including inside the mouth and on the genitalia. It most frequently appears on the scalp, face, ears and back of hands. Squamous cell carcinoma tends to develop among fair-skinned, middle-aged and elderly people who have a history of sun exposure.
In some cases, it evolves from actinic keratoses, dry scaly lesions that can be flesh-colored, reddish-brown or yellow black, and which appear on skin that is rough or leathery. Actinic keratoses spots are considered to be precancerous.
How is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed?
Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed via a biopsy — either excisional, where the entire tumor is removed along with some of the surrounding tissue, or incisional, where only a part of the tumor is removed.
How is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated?
Treatments for squamous cell carcinoma include:
- Curettage and Desiccation— The preferred method of dermatologists, this treatment involves using a small metal instrument (called a curette) to scrape out the tumor along with an application of an electric current into the tissue to kill off any remaining cancer cells.
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery— The preferred method for large tumors, Mohs Micrographic Surgery combines removal of cancerous tissue with microscopic review while the surgery takes place. By mapping the diseased tissue layer by layer, less healthy skin is damaged when removing the tumor.
- Prescription Medicated Creams— These creams can be applied at home. They stimulate the body’s natural immune system over the course of weeks.
- Radiation Therapy— Radiation therapy is used for difficult-to-treat tumors, either because of their location, severity or persistence.
- Surgical Excision— In this treatment the tumor is surgically removed and stitched up.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Dr. Steve Musick is a Board-Certified Dermatologist by The American Board of Dermatology and treats all types of skin conditions in the Swansea, IL and St. Louis metropolitan area. There are numerous treatments that Dr. Musick and his team can perform, and it is best to make an appointment for proper evaluation of any skin condition to rule out any possibility of skin cancer.
To make an appointment, call Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa in Swansea, IL today at 618-628-2588 . We accept most health insurance programs.