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Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer arising in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells of the skin's outer layer. It grows faster than basal cell carcinoma and can spread if untreated, making early detection and treatment vital.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common cancer that begins in squamous cells—thin, flat cells in the top layer of the skin, the lining of the lungs, and the esophagus. SCC grows faster than basal cell carcinoma and can spread (metastasize) if not treated. In the lungs, it accounts for about 30% of non-small cell lung cancers.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Extensive sun exposure or use of tanning beds
Smoking or vaping tobacco products
Infection with HPV (human papillomavirus) in the mouth or throat
Chronic inflammation or long-term injury to the skin or organ lining
Fair skin, older age, or a weakened immune system
Family history of skin cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Skin SCC: Red, scaly patch or sore that won't heal; firm bump that may bleed or crust; wart-like growth
Lung SCC: Persistent cough (sometimes with blood); shortness of breath or wheezing; chest pain or pressure; unexplained weight loss
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
She reviews your personal and family cancer history, sun and tobacco exposure, HPV status, and any symptoms such as non-healing sores, chronic cough, or epigastric pain and difficulty swallowing.
Skin and Lesion Biopsy
For skin lesions, he takes a small tissue sample (shave, punch, or excisional biopsy) to confirm squamous cell features under the microscope.
Imaging Studies
CT scan of the chest and abdomen to evaluate lung nodules or esophageal masses.
PET scan to detect regional lymph node involvement or distant spread.
Endoscopic Evaluation
She performs endoscopy (bronchoscopy for lung, upper endoscopy for esophagus) to directly visualize tumors, assess epigastric pain causes, and obtain deeper tissue biopsies.
Laboratory and Pathology Testing
All tissue samples are sent to pathology for immunohistochemistry to confirm SCC subtype and guide staging and treatment planning.
Treatment
Our Team offers a comprehensive range of treatments for squamous cell carcinoma.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Stop smoking to improve your outcome
Reduce alcohol intake, especially for head, neck, and esophageal SCC
Eat more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein
Stay well-hydrated and maintain a healthy weight
2. Medications
Targeted therapy - blocks cancer from growing
Immunotherapy - helps your immune system fight cancer
Chemotherapy - used for high-risk or spreading disease
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) - removes early esophageal tumors
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) - destroys small surface tumors
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) - treats certain skin lesions with light
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) - used for small lung nodules
Robotic-assisted surgery - enables precise tumor removal
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between basal and squamous cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely spreads, whereas squamous cell carcinoma grows more quickly and can invade deeper tissues or metastasize if not treated.
Can smoking lead to squamous cell lung cancer?
Yes. Tobacco smoke is a major cause of lung SCC. Quitting smoking reduces your risk and can improve treatment outcomes if cancer develops.
What is the ICD-10 code for squamous cell carcinoma?
Skin SCC generally falls under C44._, with the final digit specifying the skin site. Lung SCC is coded as C34._, with laterality indicated by the last digit.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies by cancer location and stage. Skin SCC may be treated in one visit; lung or esophageal SCC often requires weeks to months of combined therapies.
Are there side effects?
Yes. You may experience fatigue, skin reactions, nausea, or other treatment-related effects. Dr. Nguyen customizes your plan to minimize and manage side effects.
Can a healthy diet help?
Absolutely. Eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and staying hydrated supports your immune system, aids healing, and can enhance treatment effectiveness.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have a sore that won't heal, a persistent cough, chest discomfort, or difficulty swallowing, schedule an evaluation promptly to detect SCC early.
