Advanced cSCC

Primary or early stage cSCC is contained to the layers of the skin and can usually be treated with surgery. However, some cases can become more aggressive, growing larger, spreading to other parts of the body, or being difficult to remove. These cases are known as locally advanced cSCC and metastatic cSCC.²

• Locally Advanced cSCC: This cancer can invade nearby healthy tissues such as fat, muscle, or bone, depending on its location. It may also affect the nerves of the skin or spread along the nerve sheath.²
• Metastatic cSCC: This occurs when the cancer spreads to parts of the body beyond the skin, such as the lymph nodes or organs.²

These advanced cancers are more challenging to treat and often require a combination of treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or immunotherapy. If you suspect any skin changes or growths, consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.^2,3

Doctors will evaluate several factors affecting a patient’s outlook and treatment options. These include⁴:

• The location of the tumor
• How fast the tumor is growing
• How well-defined the borders of the tumor are
• If the tumor is new or has come back (recurred)
• If the tumor has been causing symptoms, such as pain or itching
• How the cancer cells look under a microscope
• If the cancer cells have invaded small nerves, blood vessels, or lymph vessels in and around the tumor
• If the cancer is in a place that was previously treated with radiation
• If the person has a weakened immune system

They also use these factors to determine how likely the skin cancer will return after treatment or spread to other parts of the body.⁴