What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

By: Dr. Brittany Buhalog

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells found on the surface of the skin. It often appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly or crusty surface. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur on any part of the body but is most common on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, face, ears, and hands.

Mohs surgery is considered an effective treatment for squamous cell carcinoma because it allows for the precise removal of cancerous tissue while sparing the maximum amount of healthy tissue. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon removes thin layers of the affected skin and examines them under a microscope until no abnormal cancerous cells are detected.  This meticulous process ensures that the tumor is completely removed while minimizing the loss of healthy tissue, which is particularly important for treating skin cancer on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face. Once the cancer is completely removed, the surgeon precisely stitches or reconstructs the area to yield the best cosmetic outcome. Additionally, Mohs surgery has high cure rates for squamous cell carcinoma and can help reduce the risk of regrowth or recurrence.

Overall, Mohs surgery is a preferred treatment for squamous cell carcinoma due to its high precision, tissue-sparing nature, and high cure rates, making it an excellent option for patients seeking effective skin cancer treatment with minimal impact on healthy tissue.

Vivida Dermatology knows how important your health is to you. That’s why we hire only the most skilled, and highly educated ACMS Fellowship-trained Mohs Micrographic surgeons. We are pleased to offer this procedure in our Henderson, Las Vegas, and St. George offices. If you’ve received a positive skin cancer diagnosis, look no further than Vivida Dermatology for the expert care you can trust.