Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. It develops in the squamous cells, which are flat and thin cells found on the surface of the skin.

SCC often occurs on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, lips, and back of the hands.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with SCC, it’s important to understand the available treatment options.

While surgery is often the primary treatment for removing the tumor, there are other methods that can be used to shrink squamous skin carcinoma tumors.

1. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for squamous cell carcinoma. It involves the use of high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.

This treatment can be used as the primary treatment for SCC or in combination with surgery to shrink the tumor before it is removed.

The radiation is typically administered over several sessions, with each session lasting only a few minutes. The number of sessions required depends on the size and location of the tumor.

Radiation therapy has been shown to be effective in shrinking squamous skin carcinoma tumors and preventing their recurrence.

2. Topical chemotherapy

Topical chemotherapy is another treatment option for squamous cell carcinoma. This method involves applying anti-cancer drugs directly to the skin, targeting the cancer cells and reducing the size of the tumor.

The most commonly used topical chemotherapy drugs for SCC are 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and imiquimod.

These medications work by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, leading to their death. This treatment is typically applied to the affected area for several weeks.

Topical chemotherapy is particularly effective for treating superficial SCC or when the tumor is close to the surface of the skin.

3. Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment option for squamous skin carcinoma tumors. It involves the use of a photosensitizing agent, which is applied to the tumor.

The photosensitizing agent is then activated by a specific wavelength of light, causing it to release a form of oxygen that kills nearby cancer cells.

PDT is often used for superficial SCC or when surgery is not an option. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects.

It may require multiple sessions to completely eliminate the tumor, but it has been proven effective in shrinking squamous skin carcinoma tumors and preventing their spread.

4. Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy, involves using extreme cold temperatures to destroy cancer cells. This treatment option utilizes liquid nitrogen or argon gas to freeze and kill the tumor cells.

Cryosurgery can be an effective method for shrinking squamous skin carcinoma tumors, particularly in early stages of the disease.

In this procedure, the liquid nitrogen or argon gas is applied directly to the tumor using a spray or probe. The freezing temperatures destroy the cancer cells, leading to the shrinkage of the tumor.

Cryosurgery is a relatively quick and painless procedure which can be performed in an outpatient setting.

5. Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a treatment option that specifically targets the genetic mutations or proteins that are driving the growth of squamous cell carcinoma.

This form of therapy aims to block the signals that promote the growth and division of cancer cells.

One targeted therapy drug that has shown promising results in shrinking squamous skin carcinoma tumors is Cetuximab. This medication targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that is frequently overexpressed in SCC.

By blocking EGFR, Cetuximab inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

6. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Several immunotherapy drugs have shown effectiveness in shrinking squamous skin carcinoma tumors.

Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab are two immune checkpoint inhibitors that have been approved for the treatment of advanced SCC. These drugs work by blocking the proteins that prevent immune cells from recognizing and attacking cancer cells.

By doing so, they enhance the immune response against SCC, leading to tumor shrinkage.

7. Mohs surgery

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a specialized surgical technique used for the treatment of SCC. It offers the benefit of high cure rates while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

This procedure is particularly useful for SCC tumors on the face or in areas where tissue preservation is essential.

Mohs surgery involves the sequential removal of thin layers of cancerous tissue, which are then immediately examined under a microscope. This allows the surgeon to precisely identify and remove all cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Mohs surgery ensures complete removal of the tumor, thereby reducing the chances of recurrence.

8. Electrodessication and curettage

Electrodessication and curettage (ED&C) is a simple and effective treatment option for SCC tumors. In this procedure, the tumor is first scraped off using a scoop-shaped instrument called a curette.

Once the tumor is removed, an electric needle is used to cauterize the area, destroying any remaining cancer cells and preventing bleeding.

ED&C is typically recommended for small, low-risk SCC tumors. It offers the advantage of being a quick outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia.

Although it’s not as precise as Mohs surgery, electrodessication and curettage have proven effective in shrinking squamous skin carcinoma tumors.

9. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs can be used to shrink squamous skin carcinoma tumors in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Systemic chemotherapy involves the administration of anti-cancer drugs via injection or oral medication.

Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. However, it is not specific to cancer cells and can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects.

It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, to improve the chances of a successful outcome.

10. Intralesional injections

Intralesional injections involve injecting medication directly into the tumor. This treatment option can be used for small SCC tumors that have not spread to other areas of the body.

The injected medication helps to shrink the tumor by targeting and destroying the cancer cells.

Treatments such as methotrexate or 5-fluorouracil can be directly injected into the tumor to promote shrinkage. Intralesional injections are a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting.