Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Canada Chapter 5: Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second-most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).


OBJECTIVE
To provide guidance to Canadian health care practitioners regarding management of SCCs.


METHODS
Literature searches and development of graded recommendations were carried out as discussed in the accompanying introduction (chapter 1 of the NMSC guidelines).


RESULTS
SCCs are sometimes confined to the epidermis, but they can also invade nearby tissues and, in some cases, metastasize to neighbouring lymph nodes or other organs. This chapter discusses the natural history, staging, prognosis, and management of SCC--a tumour type that is less common but typically more aggressive than BCC. For this reason, margin control is strongly preferred in treating SCCs.


CONCLUSIONS
Although approaches such as cryosurgery and radiation therapy may be considered for some patients, surgical excision--sometimes coupled with radiation--remains the cornerstone of SCC management. Patients with high-risk SCC may also be considered for referral to an appropriate multidisciplinary clinic.
Youthful Image, Edmonton, AB, Canada Division of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada mariuszsf@yahoo.com.
Mariusz
M
Sapijaszko
Skin Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada Department of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
David
D
Zloty
Durondel CP Inc, Moncton, NB, Canada Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
Marc
M
Bourcier
Centre Dermatologique du Québec, Métropolitain Québec, QC, Canada Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
Yves
Y
Poulin
SCRIPT, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Peter
P
Janiszewski
SCRIPT, Toronto, ON, Canada.
John
J
Ashkenas
D002170:Canada; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
Mohs micrographic surgery; radiation therapy; squamous cell carcinoma; surgical margin; tumour staging