Most squamous cell cancers are found and treated at an early stage, when they can be removed or destroyed with local treatment methods. In rare cases, they may spread to lymph nodes or distant sites, which require more intensive treatment.

For very small squamous cell cancers, the recurrence rate is similar to that for basal cell cancers. Larger squamous cell cancers are harder to treat, and the recurrence rates for aggressive cases of this cancer can be as high as 50% for large, deep tumors.

Simple excision

Simple excision is often used to treat squamous cell carcinomas.

Electrodesiccation and curettage

Electrodesiccation and curettage is sometimes useful in treating small squamous cell carcinomas, but it is not recommended for larger tumors.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is used for some cases of squamous cell carcinoma but is not recommended for larger invasive tumors or those on certain parts of the nose, ears, eyelids, scalp, or legs.

Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate. It is especially useful for squamous cell carcinomas larger than 2 cm (about 4/5 inch) across or with poorly defined edges, for tumors that have come back after other treatments, for cancers that are spreading along nerves under the skin, and for cancers on certain areas of the face or genital area.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a good option for treating older patients with large cancers, especially in areas where surgery is difficult (eyelids, ears, or nose).

Radiation is sometimes used after surgery (simple excision or lymph node dissection) if all of the cancer was not removed (if the surgical margins were positive), or if there is a chance that some cancer may remain. It can also be used to treat cancers that have come back after surgery and have become too large or deep to be removed surgically.

Lymph node dissection

Removing regional (nearby) lymph nodes is recommended for some squamous cell carcinomas that are very large or deeply invasive and in cases where the lymph nodes feel enlarged and/or hard. After the lymph nodes are removed, they are looked at under a microscope to see if they contain cancerous cells.

Systemic chemotherapy

Systemic chemotherapy is an option for patients with squamous cell skin carcinoma that has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. In some cases it may be combined with surgery or radiation therapy.