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Squamous Cell Cancer Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Dr. Scott focuses on the personalized treatment and squamous cell cancer (SCC) in its early stages at GastroDoxs in Houston. His team offers a fast diagnosis, custom treatment care and a compassionate approach to all patients regardless of whether it is on the skin, lungs or the esophagus.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Smoking and alcohol use
Long-term acid reflux
Radiation or chemical exposure
Excessive sun exposure (for skin SCC)
Age over 50
Family history of squamous cell cancer
Signs and Symptoms
Trouble swallowing
Pain when eating
Persistent hoarseness or coughing
A sore or lump on the skin that won't heal
Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Squamous Cell Cancer?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He examines your symptoms-Difficulty with swallowing, eating pains, chronic cough or hoarseness-and assesses some of the risk factors (including smoking, alcohol, long-lasting acid reflux and previous radiation).
Imaging Studies
CT scan or PET/CT to locate tumors, assess lymph node involvement, and check for distant spread.
MRI for high-resolution evaluation of soft tissue structures when needed.
Endoscopic Evaluation and Biopsy
Upper endoscopy (for esophageal lesions) or bronchoscopy (for lung lesions) to directly visualize suspicious areas.
Targeted tissue sampling confirms squamous cell carcinoma, determines grade, and helps stage the disease.
Additional Diagnostic Tools (if needed)
To determine the presence of lymph nodes in the neck, structural evaluation using barium swallow, or molecular profiling of tumor tissue to guide targeted therapy.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for squamous cell cancer.
Lifestyle and Dietary changes
Eat soft foods and have small frequent meals, which are easy to swallow.
Keep fluids up by taking water in-between meals.
Quit smoking and drinking in order to minimize further irritation.
Pay attention to nutritious diet of vegetables, protein, and fruits.
Medications
Targeted drugs to inhibit certain cell pathways in the cancer cell.
Immunotherapy to increase the ability of your immune system to deal with tumors.
Use as an analgesic, acid blocker or nausea medication.
Minimal or Refined Procedures
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) to excise small and early tumors.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to ablate precancer or cancerous cells.
More advanced cases can be subject to combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgical resection with bigger or deeper tumors where there are indications to do so.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to treat stage 4 squamous cell cancer?
Yes. Even progressive SCC may respond to the combined therapies-chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy or targeted drugs- to regulate the growth and improve the quality of life. Dr. Scott will individualize your plan.
How does lung SCC differ with esophageal SCC?
The effects of lung and esophageal SCC are on the airways and esophagus respectively, in swallowing and digestion. They all need various imaging, endoscopy, and treatment methods.
When to visit a doctor because of difficulty in swallowing?
Any chronically arduous swallowing, pain upon eating, or without explanation of fractious weight loss should be assessed immediately. CCC may be detected at earlier stages through endoscopy.
What should I do to refer to Dr. Scott?
No. We accept direct recommendary and physician referrals. Just make a call at our office in Houston to arrange a preliminary consultation.
Is EMR and RFA safe in treatment of SCC?
Yes. Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are low-risk, least invasive procedures with a shorter recovery time than an open surgery does.
What are some other treatment requirements?
You can also be given chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy depending on the spread and size of the tumor. Dr. Depending on your health and age, Scott will prescribe the best mix.
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