Spinocellular carcinoma: Overview
The best treatment for spinocellular carcinoma is the surgical removal of the malignant skin lesion. Excision with subsequent histologic examination of the cells is considered standard therapy. The tumor is removed from the healthy tissue with a certain safety margin in order to remove as many altered cells as possible. In the case of spinocellular carcinomas that have already spread further, i.e., If they have burrowed into the fabric or have already formed offshoots, this method reaches its limits.
In that case, radiation therapy (X-rays) or systemic therapy with infusions (immunotherapy or antibody therapy, rarely chemotherapy) would be an option. These cases are discussed at the USZ during the interdisciplinary skin tumor board meeting, together with specialists from dermato-oncology, oncology, radiology, radio-oncology, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, and researchers. There is also a specialized clinic for patients at particularly high risk who are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
Clinic for Immunocompromised Patients
Spinocellular carcinoma - what you can do yourself for white skin cancer
If you have been successfully treated for spinocellular carcinoma, you should take your follow-up care seriously. Depending on your individual risk, follow-up exams will initially take place every three to six months, and after three years, they will be scheduled every six months or once a year. We will discuss with you the examination intervals that are best suited to your individual needs. The goal of follow-up care is to detect recurrent tumors as early as possible and to identify new squamous cell carcinomas or their precursor lesions.
UV radiation remains a risk for you, one that you must consciously manage and adjust your behavior accordingly. Precautions include:
- No staying out in the midday sun
- Keep sunbathing sessions short; take your skin type into account
- Avoid sunburn, wear UV-protective clothing, apply sunscreen
- Wear a helmet, preferably one that covers the back of the neck
If your job requires you to spend a lot of time in the sun, you should discuss appropriate protective measures with your employer and your doctor. Non-melanoma skin cancer is now recognized as an occupational disease in Switzerland as well. In any case, take early detection and skin cancer screening seriously—Swiss dermatologists remind us of this every May on Skin Cancer Awareness Day. Skin cancer is highly treatable only if it is detected as early as possible.
Follow-up Care
Further follow-up checks are planned depending on the stage of the disease and the assessment as a low or high risk situation in accordance with the EADO criteria.
Aftercare SCC
