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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a mid-level skin cancer than mainly grows in the top layer of the skin and can move into the deeper layers of the skin. These tumors are due to chronic sun exposure over years and can be both destructive locally and metastasize if not treated.

The two main types of Squamous cell skin cancer are:

1.    Superficial Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCCIS) - the cancer is only in the very top layer of the skin
2.    Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma - the cancer has dove down to at least the second layer of the skin

You have a type of:

_____ Superficial SCC                                         Location:
_____ Invasive SCC


Your treatment options include the following:

SCCIS (Superficial):
-using a cream such as Aldara or Efudex once or twice a day for 6 weeks,and then returning for evaluation; you may then have to undergo another 6 weeks of treatment as determined by your physician

-the cure rate is approximately 70-90%
-surgery where normal skin around the area is removed - it leaves a circle or line scar that may stretch or get discolored
            -the cure rate is 100%
-Mohs surgery where the cancer is verified as totally removed before the wound is sutured closed
            -the cure rate is 100%; the advantage is that less total skin may be removed
-doing nothing - the risk is that the lesion may or may not return, and may require surgery in the future with risk of progression, increased scarring, disfigurement, or death.

Invasive SCC:
-surgery where normal skin around the area is removed - it leaves a circle or line scar that may stretch or get discolored
            -the cure rate is 96-100%
-Mohs surgery where the cancer is verified as totally removed before the wound is sutured closed
           -the cure rate is 100%; the advantage is that less total skin may be removed
-doing nothing - the risk is that the lesion may or may not return, and may require surgery in the future with risk of progression, increased scarring, disfigurement, or death.

Your doctor recommends the following for the type of SCC that you have.

YOU MUST CALL US WITH YOUR DECISION AT 818.244.7281 AND CONFIRM WITH A MEDICAL ASSISTANT.

____ Aldara cream everyday or Efudex cream twice a day to the affected lesion for 6 weeks; call us for the prescription and make an appointment for re-evaluation in six weeks
____ Surgery with margins to ensure removal; call to make a 45 minute surgery appointment
____ Mohs Surgery; a referral will be placed. You will receive a letter 5 days after the referral is placed and must call that physician's office to schedule a consult for the surgery
The decision is YOURS and yours alone. Please call us with your decision. This first letter was made in an attempt to save you an extra office visit to discuss your options.

Don Mehrabi MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, Certified by the American Board of Dermatology
Los Angeles, California

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