Attacking squamous cell carcinoma with integrative care

Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the outermost layer of the skin. It begins as a precancerous skin growth called actinic keratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma can grow deep and spread to other areas of the body. It’s the second most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma.

At Goshen Center for Cancer Care, we know that attacking squamous cell carcinoma in its early stages leads to better treatment outcomes. That’s why we offer skin cancer screenings and advanced treatment options to provide complete care for squamous cell cancer in Goshen, IN. Our oncology team has a wide range of expertise and combines their experience in cancer treatment, nutrition and naturopathic medicine to heal every part of you.

Call (888) 492-4673 (HOPE) to get started. Our oncology information specialists can schedule your first appointment and connect you to the care you need.

Causes and symptoms

Squamous cell carcinoma can start off as actinic keratoses, which shows up as dry, scaly growths on sun-exposed parts of the body. Once this condition turns into skin cancer, symptoms include:

Sore that bleeds and crusts but does not heal
Flat, scaly skin patch
Skin lump with a rough surface

UV light from the sun or tanning beds is the main cause of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma. Other factors that increase the risk of skin cancer include burning rather than tanning, getting sunburned as a child and having light skin and hair.

How we treat squamous cell carcinoma at Goshen Center for Cancer Care

When it comes to treating squamous cell carcinoma, our team works diligently to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the body. If the cancer has spread, we combine treatments to attack the cancer with different approaches to improve your outcome.

These treatments may include:

Surgery – to remove the cancer from the skin
Radiation therapy – to kill cancer cells within the body
Medicated creams
Cryosurgery – to freeze the cancerous growth
Curettage and electrodessication – to scrape away the cancer and then destroy any remaining cancer cells with an electrical current

Mohs surgery, which removes the cancer and surrounding cells layer by layer until no cancer cells remain, and photodynamic therapy, which uses special lights and chemical treatments to kill cancer cells, are other treatment options. If these treatments are best for you, your doctor at Goshen Center for Cancer Care will connect you with a dermatologist who can perform these treatments.

We can help

You don’t have to go through cancer alone. We’re here to help, whether you want a second opinion from our experts or are ready to begin comprehensive care. Request an appointment online.

With compassion and expertise, Goshen Center for Cancer Care treats squamous cell carcinoma in Goshen, IN, for patients from Warsaw, Fort Wayne, South Bend and beyond.