Squamous Cell Carcinomas (skin): What are the different treatments?

What treatments have you used for Squamous Cell Carcinoma? Are scans available to indicate whether or not it has metastasized?

Welcome @inglongpre. I moved your question about treatment options for skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) to this existing discussion:
- Squamous Cell Carcinomas (skin): What are the different treatments?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/squamous-cell-carcinomas-different-treatments/
I did this so you can read previous posts and connect with members like @maggielynn, @runner101 @annabach @gingerw @mabfp3 @thomasgrove @mermaid7272 and others. They can share more about treatments they've had.

I understand your concern about recurrence and metastasis.

People diagnosed and treated for a squamous cell skin lesion have an increased risk of developing a second lesion in the same location or a nearby skin area. To watch for recurrences, your doctor will likely recommend full-body skin cancer examinations, also called lifelong dermatologic surveillance.

Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma is uncommon. It can develop if the primary cancer is not surgically removed or treated in a timely manner. So the most important thing you can do is get treatment and continue with full-body examinations.

Where was your skin lesion found? What treatment has been recommended for you?

The most experienced physicians treating squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. are Mohs surgeons with board certification. The size and location as well as thickness of invasion are all important in treatment planning.
If the patient is immunosupressed or has invasion around the nerves on the pathology reports more advanced exams such as MRI, CT and ultrasound
are recommended. Generally head and neck tumors are best treated by the
Mohs surgeons. There should be several Mohs dermatologist in Naples. Consult your primary dermatologist for their referral advice.

Thank you for your help. It’s on my face. The recommended treatment is Mohs surgery.

I am still bandaged up and sore from my Moh's. Can only hope that the scar isn't too noticeable. It was on my lip, and a very deep squamous cell.
So don't wait too long to treat your problem squamous; if on your face, a Moh's surgeon is best.

Thank you! I hope the soreness subsides and you heal nicely.

I'm starting my second round of radiation for scc over my left ear. 2 yrs. ago had an scc removed right above it.
the latest one appeared like a fatty lump that local dr. missed until I insisted on biopsy. Good thing as I had to go to Mayo head and neck surgeon for removal. It was near lymph node but didn't invade...yet. Last fall I had 4 wks of radiation for forehead scc that threatened PNI and was told radiation would reduce by 50% possibility of return. I didn't find radiation that problematic. The first 3 weeks are nothing, then red, dry and itchy for a few more weeks till gone. I'm hoping I won't need to go to infusion therapy but will if necessary.

updating my story...the scc I had removed over my ear developed another one. It was biopsied while still very small but they want me to do Libtayo. I'm starting Monday at Mayo in Jax and really hope it works and that I can tolerate side effects. I'm a 75 yo active woman but they've told me everyone has different reactions. Can't seem to find others who've used Libtayo and how it was for them. This latest small one occurred while I'm receiving 4 wks of radiation for
that area!

@louisejewell, you may be interested in this related discussion:
- Libtayo (cemiplimab) treatment for SCC...any comments?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/libtayo-cimiplimab-treatment-any-comments/
How are you doing on treatment with Libtayo?

Hopefully all is going well. I was just diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and am looking on the platform for others who have had or do have and their treatment experiences. Surgery was recommended but can’t get to one for a consultation for two weeks.