Treatments For Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Excision

Excision is a simple operation that cuts out cancerous tissue and a bit of the healthy tissue in the immediate area. Excisional surgery can be used to treat squamous cell carcinomas that haven't spread to other areas. The doctor uses a cutting instrument called a scalpel to perform the procedure. Some cases may require removal of an extra area of healthy skin surrounding the tumor. This operation is referred to as a wide excision. The area is closed with stitches after the surgery, and the excised tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis. This is done to make sure all cancerous tissue was removed. The patient may need further surgery if cancer cells are found in any of the healthy tissue extracted. This type of surgery can be used for other types of carcinomas and melanomas as well. Patients should consult a highly skilled reconstructive surgeon to minimize scarring.