Best Squamous Cell Carcinoma Surgery in India

Squamous cell carcinoma refers to a form of skin cancer that originates from the thin, flat cells of the outermost layer of the skin – the squamous cells. The cells usually line the skin as they are the closest to the epidermis. It should be noted that parts of the body such as the mucous membrane, urinary tract, and lungs also have squamous cells that could also develop cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is reported to be the second most prevalent type of skin cancer, and it evolves as a result of DNA mutation that causes the irrepressible and/or abnormal multiplication of the cells concerned.

The primary causes of squamous cell carcinoma are mutations to the DNA of squamous cells, and these mutations are normally triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Also, the cancer-causing radiation can be generated from products like tanning beds and tanning lamps; people who frequently use these accessories may eventually develop squamous cell carcinoma. Again, other genetic factors and impaired immune system may also contribute to the emergence of this particular skin disorder.

Squamous cell carcinoma normally develops on body parts like the head, face, neck, lips, ears, upper back, and hands which are often exposed to the sun. Ordinarily, this skin disorder is not life-threatening but may lead to severe consequences if left unaddressed. For this singular reason, it is advised that an individual that observes any of the symptoms associated with the disorder visit a top clinic for squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment subsequently. Individuals suffering from squamous cell carcinoma usually have scaly, warty skin with red patches and open sores. Emphatically speaking, early detection is key to preventing the spread [of this disorder]; this also boosts the chance of obtaining a significantly positive treatment outcome. Apart from the outermost skin surface, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to the lymph nodes, tissues, and bones.

Predisposing Factors

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the number one risk factor in cases of squamous cell carcinoma. This means that persons who are constantly exposed to the sun – especially those that may be inhabiting areas with high/sunny temperatures – are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. Besides this, however, other predisposing factors for squamous cell carcinoma include:

• Increasing age. Elderly persons are more prone to squamous cell carcinoma than young persons. This is majorly down to the deteriorating state of the body system of older individuals.
• Fair/light skin. There is also a heightened risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma among people with fair skin – which tends to be more sensitive to sunlight.
• Radiation therapy. Again, long-term exposure to the radiation used in treating certain skin conditions could eventually lead to this skin cancer.
• History of sunburns. Individuals with a history of sunburn also have a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma later in life.
• Drugs taken to suppress the immune system can increase one’s chance of having squamous cell cancer. By the way, individuals with impaired immune system function are at a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.
• Chemical toxicity. Exposure to toxic substances like arsenic has also been reported as a risk factor for this skin cancer.
• Family history. Individuals from homes where there is a history of skin cancer may likely develop the disorder as they grow. A rare genetic defect like xeroderma pigmentosum can cause an individual to be hypersensitive to sunlight thus increasing the probability of developing squamous cell carcinoma.

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The signs and symptoms associated with squamous cell carcinoma include:

• Warty, dome-shaped bump
• Red patch with a scaly appearance
• Crusted sore
• Nonhealing open sores

Diagnosis

Squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed through physical examination and a couple of tests. The physician will first ask about your past medical history and check your skin for any symptoms of squamous skin cancer. Furthermore, he/she will carry out a biopsy by cutting off some parts of the affected skin and running it through microscopic examination to confirm if cancerous cells are implicated in your condition.

The diagnostic examinations conducted will not only help the physician ascertain whether you have squamous cell carcinoma or not but also provide him/her a comprehensive report of the extent to which the cancerous growth has spread. This will be vital in designing an effective squamous cell carcinoma treatment course for you. Considering the significance of your appointment [with the physician] at this point in time, you can commit some time to prepare for the visit, write down the symptoms you have been having, and also other salient points about your health status.

Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in India

Squamous cell carcinoma can be treated by either surgical or non-surgical means, or by using a combination of both therapies. The choice of treatment type may be dependent on the patient’s age, as well as the severity of a patient’s condition – but surgery is regarded as the best squamous cell carcinoma treatment. Radiation therapy is, however, adopted to treat patients who are considered ‘unfit’ to undergo surgical procedures. Photodynamic therapy, which entails the use of natural daylight or some special kind of light, has also been used for treating this skin cancer. Pharmacologic therapy is yet another option for treating squamous cell carcinoma. It involves the use of topical medications (such as imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, and tazarotene), and oral drugs (such as vismodegib and sonidegib) being prescribed for patients.

Surgical Procedures for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in India

The surgical procedures adopted for treating squamous cell carcinoma are straightforward and can be done in-office. These surgeries are usually performed under local anaesthesia, and they include:

• Mohs Surgery: This surgical technique is suitable to employ in instances where there is a high probability of recurrence, as well as when the skin cancer is located in a delicate part of the body. In carrying out this procedure; the surgeon will use a surgical tool to remove the cancerous skin along with surrounding tissues. The surgical site is then immediately examined under a microscope to see if there are still any cancerous cells left. In the event where any (cancerous cell) is found, the surgeon will proceed to repeat the procedure until there is no cancerous cell left.
• Surgical Excision: Surgical excision also has to do with the removal of the cancerous skin cells. After the surgeon must have cut off the skin cancer along with surrounding healthy tissue, he/she will apply suture to close up the area. It should be noted that skin graft may be harvested [from the upper thigh or abdomen] and brought up to the area where the cancerous skin has been excised.
• Electrodesiccation: This is also known as curettage or electrocautery, and it entails scraping off the cancerous cells with a blade and then burning the skin with electricity to get rid of the remaining cancerous cells. This protocol is usually repeated 2 or more times to guarantee a satisfactory squamous cell carcinoma treatment
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy describes the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and ultimately destroy the cancerous cells, and it is usually recommended in scenarios where the cancer cells are still at the early stage. The process is repeated a couple of times, and the frozen cancer cells will subsequently result in the formation of a scab which should shed off 4 – 5 weeks after the surgery has been completed.

Prevention/Post-Treatment Measures

The attendant surgeon or medical specialist will give the patient certain instructions that must be taken to heart, and may also follow him/her (that is, the patient) for a couple of weeks to monitor the recovery. That apart, since the chances of recurrence cannot be ruled out in cases of squamous cell carcinoma, it is yet of equal importance that you adhere to the following instructions:

• You should avoid moving around [or keeping yourself] under the sun, especially between the hours of 10am and 2pm.
• Make use of protective accessories. For instance, you should regularly wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or more; this will help protect your skin from the harmful impact of UV rays. Again, you should also consider wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat that shield you from direct exposure to sunlight.
• You should avoid skin-tanning exercise either naturally (through the sun) or synthetically (through the use of tanning beds or tanning lamps).
• Visit a clinic to see the dermatologist, and have your skin checked. This should be a routine, and you should not hesitate to contact the doctor whenever you notice any unusual (new) growth on your skin. To add to this, you should regularly examine your skin – you can also make use of a mirror here.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment at The Esthetic Clinics

Squamous cell carcinoma should not be left to keep proliferating as this could lead to severe complications. You should reach out to the team of medical experts at The Esthetic Clinics nearby today. Our plastic surgeons are on hand to attend to your issue and work out an effective treatment regimen for you. More so, with Dr. Debraj Shome, a highly respected oculoplastic and cosmetic surgeon leading the team, you can be certain that you are in safe hands. It is our pride to see you have healthy skin without any blemishes.

Cost of Having a Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in India

It is important to evaluate your condition before the price of squamous cell carcinoma treatment can be given. Factors such as the severity of the condition, prescriptions, selected therapy and diagnosis will go a long way in determining your squamous cell carcinoma treatment cost.