Skin Cancer TreatmentMarlton, NJ

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cells line organs, such as the skin, lungs, throat, and thyroid, and protect underlying tissue from damage. SCC is a type of cancer that causes cancer cells and tumors to grow in squamous cells and can injure nerves, blood vessels, and anything else in its path. SCC is generally found in people with fair skin who are heavily exposed to radiation from the sun and seldom protect themselves with sunscreen. Common signs of SCC include rough, reddish scaly patches, open sores (often with a raised border), brown spots that look like an age spot, firm, dome-shaped growths, wart-like growths, tiny rhinoceros-shaped horns growing from the skin, and sores developing in an old scar.

Treatment for SCC will depend on the type of SCC, the stage of cancer, and whether there are any features that make it aggressive. SCC may be treated through surgical removal, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, a clinical trial, observation, palliative care, or a combination of these. Patients with advanced SCC that has spread to other parts of the body may require surgery along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to help target the cancer cells throughout the body. SCC is rarely fatal and can often be treated.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with roughly 2,000 new cases per year in the United States. This type of cancer is generally caused by a combination of abnormal growth of the Merkel cell polyomavirus discovered in 2008 and extensive damage from the sun. MCC is most commonly found on parts of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the face, head, neck, and arms. Significant signs of MCC are rapidly growing, firm, painless, flesh-colored to red-violet bumps.

Treatment for MCC largely depends on the stage of the disease. Diagnosing MCC involves a body scan and a sentinel lymph node biopsy. The most common treatments include immunotherapy, surgical excisions, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, complementary or alternative therapy, and clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Treatment

What are the most common types of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second-most common form of skin cancer, and Melanoma is the third most common but the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

What are common warning signs of skin cancer?

Each type of skin cancer is different as it affects different parts and layers of the skin. For basal cell carcinoma, areas on the skin that look like scars, lumps or nodules that are shiny or have visible blood vessels; crusty, itchy patches of skin that may bleed or have a depression in the middle; or red patches of skin that look like eczema. For squamous cell carcinoma, any sore that does not heal or comes back after healing; rough-feeling growths/bumps that get crusted over and bleed; patches of skin that are flat, scaly, and red; or white spots in the mouth, on the tongue, gums, or cheeks. For melanoma, signs are often moles, scaly patches of skin, open sores, raised bumps, or black marks under finger or toenails.

What causes skin cancer?

Skin cancer is most often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Once skin cells become damaged, they grow uncontrollably and damage other cells in the skin and body. Damaged cells can also be a result of genetics and inherited mutated genes. Lastly, they may develop in those with a weakened immune system, such as people with a transplant or who have had HIV.

How can I tell the difference between melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer?

Melanoma can be determined by the ABCDE method:

• Asymmetry: The mole has an irregular shape
• Border: The edge is not smooth, but irregular or notched
• Color: The mole has uneven shading or dark spots
• Diameter: The spot is larger than the size of a pencil eraser
• Evolving or Elevation: The spot is changing in size, shape or texture

However, official accurate diagnoses must be given by a doctor.

What are the possible side effects of skin cancer treatment?

Side effects depend on the type of treatment a patient undergoes. Surgeries often result in swelling, caused by the buildup of lymphatic fluid. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy drugs may cause a variety of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, nerve damage, mouth sores, and rashes. Patients who undergo radiation therapy may experience skin irritation.