Yes, a biopsy can sometimes completely remove squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), especially if the cancer is small and superficial, meaning no further treatment is needed; however, often further procedures like surgical excision (Mohs surgery, curettage) or radiation are needed to ensure all cancer cells are gone, depending on the cancer's depth, size, and location, with pathology results guiding treatment.
Basal or squamous cell skin cancers may need to be removed with procedures such as electrodessication and curettage, surgical excision, or Mohs surgery, with possible reconstruction of the skin and surrounding tissue. Squamous cell cancer can be aggressive, and our surgeons may need to remove more tissue.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the skin include: Physical exam. A member of your health care team asks about your health history and looks at your skin for signs of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Removing a sample of tissue for testing, called a biopsy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Scalp
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is another common skin cancer that can occur on the scalp. It often appears as a scaly patch, red bump, or open sore that may bleed easily. SCC can be more aggressive than BCC and has a higher chance of spreading if not treated promptly.
A curettage and electrodesiccation, also known as a curettage and desiccation, is a skin cancer treatment used to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During the procedure, your doctor will scrape the affected skin surface with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument).
It's important not to delay treatment for too long, since this can make the cancer more difficult to cure. Waiting to treat squamous cell skin cancer also increases the risk of hurting your appearance and leading to difficulties with using that part of the body normally if a lot of surgery or other treatment is needed.
Squamous cell carcinomas appear as rough or scaly patches on your skin. They're usually not painful, but they can bleed if you scratch them.
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique often used to treat skin cancers on the scalp. This precise procedure involves meticulously removing cancerous tissue layer-by-layer and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
Treatment overview
In July 2021, the FDA expanded this approval to include SCC that is locally advanced and not curable by radiation or surgery. In 2024, the FDA approved cosibelimab-ipdl (UnloxcytTM) for adults with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma that is not curable with surgery or radiation.
Location on the Body
Squamous cell carcinomas that develop on high-risk areas of the body tend to behave more aggressively. These areas include the ears, lips, nose, scalp, fingers, and genitals, as well as sites where the skin is already damaged by chronic inflammation, burns, or scars.
For cancers that are not very risky, doctors suggest removing 4“6 mm around the tumor. This is enough to get rid of most tumors without harming too much healthy tissue. Low-risk tumors are usually small, under 2 cm. They are clear and don't spread deep.
Excisional and incisional biopsies
To examine a tumor is larger or that may have grown into deeper layers of the skin, the doctor may use an excisional (or less often, an incisional) biopsy. An excisional biopsy removes the entire tumor. An incisional biopsy removes only a portion of the tumor.
The timeline for receiving biopsy results does not inherently signify the severity of the diagnosis. While swift results are often desirable, various factors can contribute to longer waiting periods.
Most squamous cell carcinomas of the skin are caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation comes either from sunlight or from tanning beds or lamps. Protecting your skin from UV light can help reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and other forms of skin cancer.
Cryotherapy, or cryosurgery (freezing), uses extreme cold to treat sunspots, some small superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) in situ (Bowen's disease). It is not suitable for some SCCs that have come back.
Some common options offered at Moffitt Cancer Center include: Mohs surgery – Offered in conjunction with the USF Department of Dermatology, Mohs surgery is generally regarded as the “gold standard” of treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, and is performed in stages during one office visit.
While you can't prevent all types of squamous cell carcinoma, you can take steps to reduce your risk by: Avoiding excessive sun exposure. Avoid using tanning beds. Using sunscreen when you're outdoors.
Non-surgical Local Treatments for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers
Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma refers to a form of skin cancer that tends to grow faster, penetrate deeper into the skin, and has a higher likelihood of spreading to lymph nodes or distant organs compared to typical SCC.
Surgical excision is often a first-line treatment for squamous cell carcinoma. During this procedure, your dermatologist will surgically remove the cancerous lesion. They will also take a small margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is notorious for local recurrence and metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes. Distant spread is uncommon, and brain involvement is rare.
Metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary is a disease in which squamous cell cancer spreads to lymph nodes in the neck and it is not known where the cancer first formed in the body. Signs and symptoms of metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary include a lump or pain in the neck or throat.
Skin cancer can return even after complete removal and reconstruction. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma have recurrence risks, especially in high-risk areas. Clear margins reduce risk but don't guarantee recurrence won't happen. Regular follow-ups and early detection are key to long-term outcomes.
Squamous cell carcinomas appear as red scaly patches, scaly bumps, or open sores. Left alone, they become larger and destroy tissue on the skin. They can also spread to other areas of the body.
The doctor scrapes a little beyond the edge of the cancer to help remove all the cancer cells. The wound is then covered with ointment and a bandage. A scab will form over the area. The wound may take 3 to 6 weeks to heal.