About Mohs Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
With SCC, complete removal isn’t just about preventing local regrowth—it’s about closing the door on spread before it starts. At Charleston Dermatology, our surgeons use Mohs for SCCs with high-risk features.
These include location on the head, neck, hands, or lips; size over two centimeters; recurrence after previous treatment; aggressive appearance under the microscope; or growth in patients with weakened immune systems, where SCC behaves more aggressively. The entire margin is examined during surgery, and additional tissue is removed only where cancer remains.
The site is repaired the same day, and for higher-risk tumors, we’ll also discuss lymph node evaluation and follow-up frequency. Treated properly and early, the vast majority of SCCs are cured. Schedule a consultation and let’s get it handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mohs recommended for SCC?
For tumors where recurrence or spread would be most consequential: SCCs on the face, ears, lips, scalp, hands, and genitals; tumors larger than 2 cm; poorly differentiated or deeply invasive tumors; recurrent SCCs; and any SCC in an immunosuppressed patient. Low-risk SCCs on the trunk and limbs are often treated effectively with standard excision instead.
Can squamous cell carcinoma spread?
Yes — roughly 2–5% of SCCs metastasize, usually to nearby lymph nodes, and the risk is higher for large, deep, recurrent, or lip and ear tumors, and in immunosuppressed patients. That’s precisely why complete removal with verified margins matters more for SCC than for basal cell carcinoma, and why high-risk tumors get closer follow-up.
What follow-up is needed after Mohs for SCC?
Expect skin checks every three to six months for the first couple of years, then annually — the schedule depends on your tumor’s risk profile. Most recurrences and most new skin cancers appear within two years, so early follow-up is the highest-value window. Daily sun protection is part of the prescription too.