Squamous Cell Cancer
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Information on Squamous Cell Cancer
Squamous cell cancer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma, is the second most common form of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell cancer can occur on any area of the body, but the most common places for squamous cell cancer to occur are the areas that are exposed to the sun. Although squamous cell cancer starts in the epidermis, it can spread to the underlying tissue if left untreated. When squamous cell skin cancer does metastasize, it can affect other organs and become a more serious condition.
What Causes Squamous Cell Cancer?
Most cases of squamous cell cancer are the result of extensive exposure to sunlight. That is why squamous cell cancer appears most frequently on parts of the body that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms and back. In addition to sun-exposed parts of the body, squamous cell cancer may also occur in areas of the body that have experienced certain types of trauma. These traumas can include burns, scars, sores that do not heal and areas of skin exposed to certain chemicals. Certain medical conditions and chronic skin inflammation can also encourage the development of squamous cell cancer.
Squamous Cell Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis
The most common sign or symptom of squamous cell cancer is a change in the look or feel of the skin. These changes could include patches of skin that:
- feel scaly
- bleed
- develop a crust
- have sores that do not heal
If you notice a patch of skin that exhibits any of these characteristics, it is important that you make an appointment to see your doctor. Although these possible symptoms of squamous cell cancer may be the result of a less serious condition, only a medical professional can make that diagnosis.
Treating Squamous Cell Cancer
The treatment of squamous cell cancer will depend on a number of factors, including the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the general health of the patient. After these factors have been assessed, the cancer can be treated using a number of different methods including surgical removal of the tumor, radiation treatments to reduce the size of the tumor, and in some cases, chemotherapy.
Squamous Cell Center Treatment at CTCA
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we understand the impact that a squamous cell cancer diagnosis can have on not only on the patient, but their loved ones as well. That is why we work closely with our patients and their loved ones to help them understand all of their treatment options and ensure that they are comfortable with the treatment they receive.
Fighting cancer is all we do. Our dedicated staff of professionals is committed to providing you with a comprehensive approach to treating cancer that combines a variety of treatment options designed to treat you as a whole person, not just your cancer. At CTCA, our innovative approach to cancer treatment revolves around our patients. This approach enables our patients and their loved ones to fully understand the options available to them and allows them to help and participate in creating their unique, individualized treatment plan.
Complementary Squamous Cell Cancer Treatment Options
Squamous cell cancer affects everyone differently, and at CTCA, we work to make sure we provide our patients with everything they need during this difficult time. In addition to the most up-to-date conventional treatments available, we also offer a variety of complementary and alternative options.
Our complementary treatment options include:
- Nutrition Therapy. Proper nutrition is very important when undergoing treatment for squamous cell cancer. Maintaining proper nutrition can not only help your overall well-being, but may also help reduce some of the side effects associated with cancer treatment. We believe that plays an important role in the treatment of cancer. That is why every patient who comes to CTCA receives a nutrition assessment and an individualized plan.
- Pain Management. Cancer patients may develop pain for a number of different reasons. Whether the pain is the result of the cancer itself, or a side effect of treatment, most cancer patients will experience some sort of pain or discomfort during the course of their disease. The CTCA care team understands that unrelieved pain can greatly reduce quality of life. That is why we offer our patients a comprehensive pain assessment and will work with you to help relieve pain that you might experience.
- Naturopathic Medicine. Naturopathic doctors use natural therapies as part of their treatment plans. Naturopathic medicine may include a number of different treatment options including therapeutic nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, manipulative therapy, pharmacology, and a variety of other therapies. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, you will have access to an onsite naturopathic practitioner who will consult with your physician as part of your integrative treatment program.
- Spiritual Support. Spiritual well-being can be an integral component of a cancer treatment plan for many people. We provide a variety of spiritual support options for patients, family members and staff. You will have access to one of our spiritual counselors as part of your treatment program.
In addition to the above mentioned complementary and alternative therapy options, CTCA also offers a number of other therapies including:
At CTCA, your squamous cell cancer treatment will be administered by a team of experts who provide comprehensive, personalized treatment. We are driven by and share the same goal that our patients do. At CTCA, we fight to win.
If you would like to learn more about CTCA and our innovative approach to treating squamous cell cancer and other forms of cancer, call us today at 1-800-615-3055 or chat online with one of our Oncology Information Specialists. They are available around the clock to help answer your questions about the treatments available at CTCA.