Best Way to Remove Squamous Cells?

asked 3 years ago by salmonrunner in Charlotte, NC
Latest answer by Shawn Allen, MD
Question viewed 3,828 times

I just received the biopsy report on 3 areas from my chest. The locations are: 1 at the top of my cleavage, 1 to the left center of my cleavage and 1 centered just below my collar bone. These all came back as squamous cells. My dermatologist wants to scrape more and feels that this would be much better than a Moh's surgery. The location of these has gotten me very concerned about the appearance afterwards. What other treatments can you advise that would leave me with the least amount of scarring?

6 answers to Best Way to Remove Squamous Cells?

Skin cancer removal options

Skin cancer removal options depend on the type, size, histology, and equally importantly, the location of the tumors. With malignant melanoma, wide-excision with adequate margins must be performed. You have more options with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or basal cell carcinoma (BCC); both of which are known as non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). For NMSC on face, scalp, and neck and those with aggressive histology, Mohs micrographic surgery is advisable. For a cosmetic sensitive area such as... more

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon

Skin cancer removal

Scraping and burning procedures usually leave flat but white scars. Sometimes the chest is prone to develop raised scars and if this over healing (your body may produce too much collagen as a response to healing and is referred to as hypetrophic or keloidal scarring) occurs, you may see that the scar is red, raised and tender or itchy for a few months to years. The same applies to excisional (surgical removal) surgery. Usually the surgery involves removing the skin cancer in the shape of an... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Squamous cell carcinoma treatment options

There are many ways to treat skin cancers. There are also 4 different types of squamous cells all of which can be managed differently. As a starting point, Mohs surgery offers the highest cure rates of all the options available. So if cure is your goal this may make the most sense. In addition, if you do elect for a surgical procedure then Mohs surgery has been shown to conserve 180% more tissue than standard surgery and so will leave the smallest area to sew and hence a smaller scar... more

Shawn Allen, MD
Boulder Dermatologist

Squamous cell cancer treatment options

You have several options concerning the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma. The options vary in relevance based upon your age, location of tumor, severity of histology of tumor (ie if it is well differentiated vs moderate vs poorly differentiated) , size of tumor and whether or not it represents a recurrence. Options vary from routine excision, edc (electrodessication and curettage), radiation therapy, and Mohs surgery. You must rely upon your dermatologist to advise you for the most... more

Steven Hacker, MD
West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.palmbeachdermasurgery.com

Coordinate your care with a Dermatologist and a Plastic Surgeon

The area you are describing is prone to poor scar formation. You would do well to have your dermatologist determine what would be the best and least invasive way to treat your skin cancer and coordinate closure efforts with a plastic surgeon. Drs. Mike Beasley and Paul Waterson are in your town and are superb plastic surgeons.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatments

Squamous cell skin cancers can be treated with simple excision, Mohs surgery (tissue sparing surgery), a scrape & burn procedure (ED&C) and in some cases, freezing with liquid nitrogen. The excision procedures (simple excision and Mohs) will tend to leave linear scars whereas the scrape & burn tend to leave flat whitish scars. A linear scar in the long run may be less noticeable than a flat white scar. If your squamous cell skin cancers are superficial, they may respond well... more

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

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