Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Manhattan, NY
If you were recently diagnosed with skin cancer, you might have a lot of questions and concerns about the cancer, treatment options, and your quality of living. At Désirée Ratner, M.D., P.C., we are here to help during this emotional time. We provide quality treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, along with other skin cancer types, in Manhattan, NY.
Overview
There are 3 most common skin cancer types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
If caught early, these can be curable by surgery alone. If caught later, it can be life-threatening.
Types
basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, with over 2 million cases diagnosed in the United States every year. BCC, it usually arises in sun-exposed areas, but can occur anywhere on the skin, including the genital region.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. SCC is more serious than BCC because if left untreated it can spread and become life-threatening.
Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers, but it is one of the deadliest. Melanoma arises from pigment cells in the skin.
Symptoms & Causes
BCC is a slowly growing skin cancer which is not usually life threatening, but if left untreated can grow deeply and become locally destructive. Although it often arises in patients with fair skin, patients of all skin types and colors can develop BCC.
SCC may manifest in many ways. You may have a rough red patch, sore that won’t go away or keeps coming back, age spot, or growth that is raised off the skin. These signs on your skin can appear anywhere, including in the mouth or underneath nails. No matter what, treatment is crucial. Squamous cell carcinoma treatment is most effective when the cancer is caught early.
While a history of excessive exposure to sunlight may play a role, there is also a genetic predisposition to developing melanoma, which sometimes runs in families. Patients with a previous or family history of melanoma, or who have a large number of moles, or atypical/dysplastic moles, are at greater risk for developing melanoma.
Treatment
Some low risk BCCs can be treated with topical creams, while others require treatment with local destruction or excision. High risk BCCs are more likely to be treated with Mohs micrographic surgery to increase the probability of cure. Large or aggressive BCCs that may not curable with surgery or radiation can be controlled with newer oral agents.
Like BCCs, small, low risk SCCs may be treated with topical creams, local destruction or excision. High risk SCCs, which have more risk factors for recurrence, are more likely to be treated with Mohs micrographic surgery to increase the probability of cure.
If caught early, melanoma can be curable by surgery alone. If caught later, it can be life-threatening. Fortunately, new targeted and immune therapies are available to treat patients with more advanced disease, providing them with improved survival and quality of life.
Whatever treatment you need, Désirée Ratner, M.D., P.C., can help. Please reach out to us today at (917) 890-4688 to discuss your skin cancer situation and treatment options. We look forward to speaking with you.