Spinocellular carcinoma: Overview
The best therapy for the treatment of spinocellular carcinoma is the surgical removal of the malignantly altered skin area. Excision with subsequent histologic examination of the cells is considered standard therapy. The tumor is removed from the healthy tissue with a certain safety margin in order to remove as many altered cells as possible. In the case of spinocellular carcinomas that have already spread further, i.e. If the tissue has been eaten into or offshoots have already formed, this method reaches its limits.
Radiation therapy (X-rays) or systemic therapy with infusions (immunotherapy or antibody therapy, rarely chemotherapy) would then be possible. These cases are discussed at the USZ at the interdisciplinary skin tumor board together with people from dermatooncology, oncology, radiology, radiation oncology, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, ear, nose and throat specialists and researchers. There is also a specialized consultation hour for particularly vulnerable patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
Immunosuppressed consultation
Spinocellular carcinoma - what you can do yourself for white skin cancer
If you have been successfully treated for spinocellular carcinoma, you should take your follow-up care seriously. Depending on your personal risk, check-ups are initially carried out every three to six months, and after three years every six months to once a year. We will discuss the appropriate examination intervals with you. The aim of follow-up care is to detect recurring tumors as early as possible and to identify new squamous cell carcinomas or their precursors.
UV radiation remains a risk for you that you must consciously deal with and adapt your behavior accordingly. The precautionary measures include:
- Do not stay in the midday sun
- Keep sunbathing short, consider individual skin type
- Avoid sunburn, wear UV-protective clothing, apply UV sunscreen
- Wear headgear, preferably with neck protection
If your job requires you to spend a lot of time in the sun, you should discuss appropriate protective measures with your employer and your doctor. White skin cancer is now also recognized as an occupational disease in Switzerland. In any case, take early detection and skin screening seriously, as the Swiss dermatologists remind you every year in May with Skin Cancer Day. Skin cancer can only be cured if it is detected as early as possible.
