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Squamous Cell Cancer

At Katy's GastroDoxs, our skilled team specializes in early detection and comprehensive treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, combining advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, personalized care plans, and close community collaboration to ensure residents receive compassionate, dedicated, expert oncology support locally.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Squamous Cell Cancer?

Squamous Cell Cancer is a malignancy that starts in the thin, flat squamous cells lining your skin, esophagus, and other organs. When DNA damage causes these cells to multiply uncontrollably, tumors called squamous cell carcinomas form. At GastroDoxs in Katy, we specialize in early detection and personalized care for squamous cell cancers of the skin, esophagus, and related sites.

Common Symptoms

Recognizing warning signs early can speed up diagnosis and treatment. Watch for:

  • A sore or ulcer that won't heal
  • Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food "sticking" (esophageal involvement)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent hoarseness or a long?term cough
  • Red, rough, or scaly patches on the skin

Causes

Several factors increase the risk of developing squamous cell cancer:

  • Chronic irritation or inflammation of the skin or esophagus
  • Prolonged sun exposure (skin cancers)
  • Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption (especially esophageal cancers)
  • Infection with high?risk HPV strains
  • A weakened or suppressed immune system
Treatment

Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Cancer in Katy

Treatment includes medical interventions and supportive care:

  • Surgery: Removal of tumors from the skin, esophagus, or other involved sites for localized disease.
  • Radiation therapy: High-energy beams targeted at cancerous cells to destroy or shrink tumors.
  • Chemotherapy: Systemic drugs that kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, often used for advanced stages.
  • Targeted therapy: Medications that attack specific molecular targets on cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy tissue.
  • Immunotherapy: Treatments that stimulate your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
  • Nutritional support: Diet planning and supplements to maintain strength, manage side effects, and prevent weight loss.
  • Pain management: Medications and therapies to control discomfort and improve quality of life throughout treatment.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

At GastroDoxs in Katy, we specialize in early detection and personalized treatment of squamous cell cancer-whether it affects the skin, esophagus, or other organs. Our multidisciplinary team combines advanced diagnostics (endoscopy, imaging, biopsy) with tailored care plans that include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive services. We focus on your overall well-being, offering nutritional guidance, pain management, and ongoing follow-up to help you navigate each stage of treatment.

Ready to take the next step? Book an appointment today and let our experienced specialists guide you toward the best possible outcome.

1K

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between squamous and basal cell cancer?

Squamous cell cancer grows from flat, surface?lining cells and can spread more quickly, whereas basal cell cancer arises from deeper skin cells, typically grows slowly, and rarely metastasizes.

Can esophageal squamous cell cancer be cured?

Yes-when detected early, esophageal squamous cell cancer is often curable with a combination of surgery and radiation. Advanced stages may require more complex multimodal treatments.

What is stage 4 squamous cell cancer?

Stage 4 indicates the cancer has metastasized to distant organs or lymph nodes. Treatment aims to control disease progression and maximize quality of life.

How is squamous cell cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include endoscopy, imaging scans (CT, MRI, PET), tissue biopsy, and sometimes blood tests to confirm cancer type and determine its stage.

Are there non-surgical treatment options?

Yes. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination, depending on the cancer's location and stage.

How long does recovery take after surgery?

Recovery varies by procedure: skin cancer surgeries often heal within weeks, while esophageal surgeries may require a longer hospital stay and several months for full recovery.

Is treatment covered by insurance?

Most standard diagnostic tests and treatments are covered by health insurance. We recommend verifying benefits with your provider or contacting our billing team for assistance.

How can I lower my risk?

Reduce risk by avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, protecting skin from UV exposure, eating a balanced diet, and managing chronic inflammation or reflux.

Should I get regular screenings?

Yes-especially if you have risk factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic acid reflux, or a history of HPV. Ask your Katy specialist for a personalized screening schedule.

Can HPV lead to squamous cell cancer?

Certain high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) are linked to squamous cell cancers of the skin, throat, and esophagus. Vaccination and safe practices can help reduce this risk.

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