Skip to Content

How likely is squamous cell carcinoma to return?

Once a person has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, the likelihood of the cancer returning is difficult to determine. This type of cancer is highly unpredictable and its recurrence rate can vary widely from person to person.

The recurrence rate may also depend on the type and location of the squamous cell carcinoma as well as the person’s overall health and lifestyle.

A 2018 study found that the 5-year recurrence rate ranged from 5 to 20 percent, and the 10-year recurrence rate ranged from 16 to 45 percent. The risk of a relapse may be slightly higher in cases of squamous cell carcinoma that were initially treated with surgery.

However, careful follow-up and regular monitoring of the condition are the best ways to detect a relapse.

Recurrence or the spread of cancer to other parts of the body can be life-threatening. In some cases, even after a tumor has been successfully removed, the cancer may travel to other organs or lymph nodes.

This is why it’s important for people who have had squamous cell carcinoma to undergo regular check-ups with their doctor to ensure the cancer has not returned or spread.

Can a squamous cell carcinoma come back?

Yes, squamous cell carcinoma can come back, even if it has been treated and removed. While there is no guarantee that squamous cell carcinoma will recur, the risk of recurrence is higher for some more aggressive forms of the cancer, such as if it has spread beyond the original tumor.

The chances of a squamous cell carcinoma coming back can also increase if the tumor has not been completely removed, if nearby lymph nodes contain cancer, if the patient has a weakened immune system, or if the patient is a smoker.

It is important for patients to undergo thorough follow-up care after treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, including regular check-ups with their physician and self-monitoring for any signs of recurrence.

Depending on the type and severity of the cancer, additional tests like CT scans, MRIs, and blood tests can be recommended to detect any recurrence. While squamous cell carcinoma can recur, the best way to avoid that is to take steps to prevent the cancer from developing in the first place.

What is the life expectancy of someone with squamous cell carcinoma?

The life expectancy of someone with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) depends on a number of factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the person’s personal health history, and their age. Generally, SCC has a high cure rate of 90 percent if it is detected and treated early.

If SCC is detected and treated at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 80-90 percent, and 10-year survival rate is 70-80 percent. However, if the SCC progresses to a more advanced stage, such as metastatic SCC, the survival rate decreases to 30-50 percent at 5 years and 10-20 percent at 10 years.

In general, people with SCC who are aged 65 and above tend to have poorer life expectancy than those who are younger, because they may have other medical conditions that can complicate the treatment and prognosis of the cancer.

Additionally, prognosis may also depend on the type of SCC you have, as some types are more difficult to treat than others.

Overall, early detection and treatment of SCC is key to improving life expectancy and patient outcomes, so it is important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms that could indicate SCC.

What is the risk of SCC recurrence?

The risk of SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) recurrence completely depends on the specific characteristics and stage of the tumor. Generally, SCC recurrence is more likely if the cancer is at an advanced or metastatic stage, is located in a difficult-to-treat area (like the face or midline of the neck), has extensive invasion into nearby tissues, or if the margins of the tumor are unclear after surgery.

Other factors that can increase the risk of SCC recurrence include the patient being a smoker or having a compromised immune system.

The best way to prevent recurrent SCC is to ensure the entire tumor is removed during the initial surgery. Additionally, follow-up care with regularly scheduled doctor visits and imaging tests can help detect cancer before it becomes more advanced.

Finally, treatments like radiation and chemotherapy may be used to reduce the risk of recurrence for certain high-risk SCC cases.

Should I be worried about squamous cell carcinoma?

Yes, you should be worried if you are facing the possibility of having squamous cell carcinoma. It is a type of cancer that often begins in the skin or the lining of organs such as the respiratory tract, urinary tract, or digestive tract.

It is especially important for people with a weakened immune system to be aware of the possibility of squamous cell carcinoma due to an increased risk. Early detection is key in successfully treating many types of cancer and is especially important when treating squamous cell carcinoma.

If you have a spot on your skin or any unusual symptoms or changes, it’s best to consult with your doctor immediately. To reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, one should avoid excessive sun exposure, quit smoking, and try to consume a healthy diet.

You should also check your skin regularly and take any warnings seriously.