Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Diagnosis and Care at TAMC
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed skin cancers worldwide, second only to basal cell carcinoma.
It typically develops on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, and hands, but may also arise in areas previously unaffected by disease. In many cases, SCC evolves from precancerous skin lesions caused by prolonged UV exposure.
At TAMC in Tel Aviv, we specialize in early detection and comprehensive treatment of squamous cell skin cancer using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized care protocols.
This disease mainly occurs in adulthood, with a significantly increased risk after the age of 40. It is important to understand that the prognosis depends heavily on the stage of the disease at the time treatment begins.
If you’ve been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma—or if you suspect a malignant skin tumor—do not delay. Seek professional and modern medical care from doctors with experience in treating this condition. Such specialists are available in the adult oncology department at Tel Aviv Medical Clinic (TAMC).
What We Offer Our Patients:
- Effective, safe, and modern diagnostics. All necessary tests can be completed in one place within 3–4 business days.
- A multidisciplinary approach. Each cancer case at TAMC is handled by a team of professionals working together.
- Personalized treatment plans based on the characteristics of both the patient and the disease.
- Participation in clinical trials of new medications or treatment methods – completely free of charge.
- Innovative genetic diagnostics, enabling not only 100% confirmation of the diagnosis but also detailed molecular-genetic analysis of tumor cells to create the most effective treatment protocol for each patient (personalized oncology).
- Advanced and sometimes experimental skin cancer treatments.
- Treatment from top Israeli experts with international reputations.
- Modern immunobiological therapy, including Vismodegib and Sonidegib (Hedgehog pathway inhibitors), Cemiplimab (PD-1 inhibitor), Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Imiquimod, Erlotinib (Tarceva), and Panitumumab.
- Minimally invasive procedures such as Mohs micrographic surgery, laser or photodynamic tumor removal, and cryotherapy.
- Radiation therapy using modern, safe equipment.
What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Who Is at Risk?
Main Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Skin Cancer in Sunny Regions like Israel
Unfortunately, the exact causes of skin cancer are still unknown. Patients who have undergone radiation therapy for other malignancies are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. Other risk factors include:
- Previous melanoma or skin cancer
- History of dysplastic nevi
- Family history of melanoma or skin cancer
- Severe sunburns during childhood or youth
- Fair skin and age over 65
- Atypical moles or more than 50 regular moles on the body
How to Recognize Early Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
The clinical presentation of squamous cell carcinoma is highly variable. Suspicion should arise with any new growth on sun-exposed skin. The tumor may initially appear as a red papule or plaque with scales or crusts, possibly developing into a nodular or hyperkeratotic mass. In some cases, the lesion may be sunken below the surrounding skin and can ulcerate, penetrating deep into the skin and underlying tissues.
In early stages, the tumor usually appears as a nodule, possibly covered by yellow crusts. Touching the lesion may cause bleeding. Eventually, an ulcer with an irregular base form at the site. Common locations include:
- Upper and lower limbs
- Facial skin
- Ears
- External genitalia
As the tumor progresses, it can infiltrate deeper tissues and spread regionally. Diagnosis involves physical examination and dermatoscopy by a specialist. Biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis.
Advanced Skin Cancer Diagnostics at TAMC Tel Aviv
How We Detect and Confirm Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Israel
Diagnosis is typically performed by dermatologists, oncologists, or dermato-oncologists. Key diagnostic procedures include:
- Reviewing the patient’s medical history, symptoms, previous illnesses, and risk factors
- Thorough examination of skin lesions, moles, or nodules
- Skin biopsy, including deep tissue sampling, to assess invasion depth and confirm malignancy
(performed by qualified dermatologists) - Pathological review by top laboratories in Israel for diagnosis verification
- Molecular-genetic testing to define tumor cell characteristics and personalize treatment
If cancer spread is suspected, additional tests may include:
- Lymph node biopsy to check for metastasis
- Imaging studies: CT, MRI, PET-CT, PET-MRI, bone scan (scintigraphy)
Genetic Testing
After biopsy, patients undergo molecular-genetic testing—an essential part of modern oncology diagnostics. Based on tumor mutations, we choose the most effective therapies.
All biopsy samples are sent to leading genetic laboratories in Israel, Europe and U.S. for full diagnosis and mutation profiling.
Common gene mutations screened for skin cancer include:
BAP1, BRAF, CDKN2A, CTNNB1, EIF1AX, GNA11, GNAQ, HRAS, KIT, KRAS, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, NF1, NRAS, SF3B1, TERT-promoter.
What’s the Prognosis for Squamous Cell Skin Cancer? Key Facts
Survival Rates and Outcomes for Skin Cancer Patients in Israel
If detected early and surgically removed, the prognosis is generally excellent. However, metastases—regional or distant—can occur, especially in poorly differentiated tumors or late stages.
Tumors located near the ears, lips, or scars tend to metastasize more frequently. Five-year survival in metastatic cases is about 34%, even with treatment.
Latest Treatments for Squamous Cell Carcinoma at TAMC
Personalized Treatment Plans for SCC Patients in Tel Aviv
Treatment options for squamous cell skin cancer include curettage and electrocoagulation, surgical excision, cryotherapy, external chemotherapy (imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil) and photodynamic therapy, sometimes radiation therapy. The patient requires careful monitoring during treatment and further observation.
All our patients can become participants in clinical trials of new drugs, treatment protocols, innovative methods. Our specialists are actively involved in these clinical studies, in addition, they constantly improve and refine standard treatment protocols for various oncological diseases. If the patient meets the necessary parameters (we will be able to give an answer after studying all your medical documents), he can become a participant in such an experimental program and try closed protocols (developed within the clinic) as an alternative treatment.
Often, this is the only chance for a patient to overcome a serious disease, especially in situations where standard treatment protocols have proven ineffective.
Surgical intervention. In the early stages, the most relevant treatment methods are modern and minimally invasive approaches to surgical intervention. The following methods are most often used:
- Laser destruction – removal is performed by local laser radiation. Features of the procedure – low trauma and good cosmetic effect.
- Cryodestruction – destruction of cancer cells by low temperatures. First, the tumor is frozen, and then removed.
- Surgical excision – a classic method using a scalpel. Surgical excision is mainly used in advanced cases of squamous cell carcinoma. This type of surgery is most often performed when the tumor is located on the border with the mucous membrane, for example, in the lip area. The surgical excision method is especially relevant when it comes to large formations and recurrent tumors. The Mohs method of surgery is most often used, in which the edges of the wound are gradually removed until the tissue is completely freed from the tumor. When using this method, a microscopic examination of the samples (intraoperative biopsy) is performed during the operation.
Radiation therapy. This disease is related to formations with relatively high sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Therefore, radiotherapy can be used both as monotherapy and in combination with other treatment methods. When conducting radiation therapy, it is important to preserve healthy tissue. In this regard, gentle doses of radiation are selected. If the tumor is characterized by high aggressiveness or has metastasized, then good results are demonstrated by treatment that includes radiation therapy carried out after surgery.
Chemotherapy. This method of treatment is used infrequently. Indications for chemotherapy are multiple and recurrent tumors, the presence of metastases, inoperable tumors. At TAMC, doctors select the optimal drugs and dosage, taking into account the characteristics of the disease, age and health of the patient.
Metastatic disease in squamous cell skin cancer is treated with radiation therapy if metastases can be identified and isolated. In case of inoperable progressive or metastatic disease, immunotherapy and targeted drugs are currently possible:
- Vismodegib and Sonidegib (inhibitors of the Hedgehog signaling pathway),
- Cemiplimab (inhibitor of the receptor 1 [PD-1] of programmed cell death),
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda),
- Cemiplimab (Libtayo),
- Imiquimod,
- Erlotinib (Tarceva),
- Panitumumab.
At TAMC in Tel Aviv, every case of squamous cell carcinoma is reviewed by a multidisciplinary oncology team.
This personalized, team-based approach allows us to design the most effective combination of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies—tailored to each patient’s needs. Our close collaboration between dermatologists, oncologists, and surgeons ensures timely adjustments to treatment plans, based on real-time recovery data and post-surgical outcomes.
Thanks to this continuous monitoring and expert coordination, we achieve outstanding success rates in treating even advanced and complex cases of skin cancer.
Think you may have Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)? Don’t wait.
Get a fast diagnosis, advanced treatment plan, and access to leading specialists – all in one place in Tel Aviv.
📞 Call us: +972-73-374-6844
📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WhatsApp: +972-52-337-3108
FAQ: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment in Israel – What You Need to Know
1. Can I go to the TAMC clinic for private treatment?
Yes, our clinic provides the opportunity for private treatment of squamous cell skin cancer in Israel. We accept patients from Israel and all over the world for treatment and consultation.
2. Can I sign up for an online consultation?
Yes, you can. TAMC offers online consultations with leading Squamous cell skin cancer specialists (second opinion) with a skin cancer specialist. To do this, you need to write to the email [email protected] or write to WhatsApp +972523373108 and our staff will promptly respond to you and help. You can also contact the medical tourism department regarding coming to Israel for treatment
3. Do you treat squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in its late stages?
Yes. In our center there are specialists who are responsible for clinical work in the field of Oncology and in particular in the direction of Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). You can apply for Clinical trials for patients with skin cancer by e-mail [email protected] or write to WhatsApp +972523373108 and our staff will promptly respond to you and help.
4. What is the best treatment for SCC cancer in Israel?
At TAMC in Tel Aviv, we provide advanced and personalized treatment plans for SCC cancer, including surgical removal (Mohs surgery), immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and access to clinical trials. The choice depends on the type and stage of the cancer.
5. Can international patients receive treatment for skin cancer?
Yes. TAMC offers full coordination for international patients, including remote consultations, second opinions, and complete diagnostic and treatment programs in English, Russian, or Hebrew.
6. What is the best treatment for Squamous cell carcinoma cancer?
Diagnosis at TAMC includes dermatologist evaluation, dermatoscopy, biopsy, and advanced molecular testing. We also use imaging techniques like MRI, CT, and PET-CT to determine the cancer stage.
7. Are clinical trials for Non-melanoma skin cancer available in Israel?
Absolutely. Patients at TAMC may qualify for participation in clinical trials involving new immunotherapy or targeted drugs.
8. What is the cost of private advanced oncology care for skin cancer patients?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of diagnosis and treatment. We offer personalized quotes after reviewing your medical documents. Consultations, genetic testing, and surgery can be arranged within days.
9. How long does it take to receive treatment after diagnosis?
At TAMC, most patients begin treatment within 3–5 working days after completing diagnostic procedures. We offer all services under one roof to minimize waiting times.
