en  -  fr
en  -  fr
Home
Diagnosis & Treatment
CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (cSCC)
Back to Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis & Treatment

CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (cSCC) DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT INFORMATION

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a common form of skin cancer that develops in squamous skin cells that make up the outer (epidermis) layers of the skin. It’s estimated that 1 in 20 Canadians will develop the disease during their lifetime.

Doctors classify most cSCC into risk groups based on several prognostic factors, including the size of the cancer and where it is located (for example, head, neck, eyes, lips or is it on arms, legs or back).

The good news? When cSCC is caught early and removed, over 90% of people are cured. What’s more, is it rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Still, it’s important to note that if you are diagnosed with cSCC, you aren’t alone—there are many support programs across Canada to help see you through.

DIAGNOSIS & STAGING

How is cSCC diagnosed?

To confirm a diagnosis of cSCC, a doctor will perform several tests including physical exams or a biopsy and ask questions about your history with suntanning or sunbeds.
Learn More

Staging cSCC

When all surgical and any imaging tests have been completed and pathology reports have been received, the doctors will try to figure out if the cancer has spread, and if so, how far. This process is called staging. It helps determine how serious the cancer is and how best to treat it.
Learn More

TREATMENT

How is cSCC Treated?

cSCC at any stage is usually treated with one of two types of surgery: a simple excision or “Mohs surgery”. The option taken will depend on the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumour.
Learn More

How Does My Doctor Choose My Treatment?

Following the results of your physical exam and biopsy, your doctor will determine the best treatment options for you. Doctors often use the following risk groups to estimate the chance that the cancer may come back and help plan the best treatment.
Learn More

CSCC DRUG THERAPIES IN CANADA

Cemiplimab (Libtayo)

LIBTAYO is a prescription medicine used to treat people with a type of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) that has spread or cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.
Learn More

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Dealing with a Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with cancer can feel overwhelming. Managing cancer involves much more than effective treatment. Adjusting to and finding ways to cope with a melanoma diagnosis is an important part of healing, along with treatment.
Learn More

Managing cSCC

Whatever the stage of your cancer, it is important that you look after your physical health. That means eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest, and being as physically active as you can be. It is also important to care for your emotional health by spending time with family and friends and planning activities you enjoy.
Learn More

Managing Advanced Melanoma

Receiving a cancer diagnosis, especially in the later stages, can dredge up a variety of emotions such as feelings of anxiety, fear and hopelessness. It’s important to note that even when you feel out of control, there are always ways to take charge, and this starts by learning more about your diagnosis.
Learn More

Managing Cancer Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is the most common and often the most distressing side effect experienced by people with cancer.
Learn More

How to stay well nourished and hydrated?

Getting all of the nutrients your body needs can help you maintain your weight and strength, stay active and support your recovery – all important factors in managing cancer-related fatigue.
Learn More

Vitamin D

We need vitamin D to absorb calcium, to build and maintain bones and teeth, and to support our immune system, but most of us won’t get enough of this important vitamin without using a supplement.
Learn More

How to Manage Diarhea During Cancer Treatment?

When you are experiencing diarrhea, eating well can be a challenge. Diarrhea caused by cancer treatment is best managed with prescription medications.
Learn More

How to be Active with Cancer?

If you haven’t been exercising, start slowly and build up the time and intensity of your physical activity.
Learn More

OTHER INFORMATION

Flushot & Covid Vaccine Information

It is important to speak to your healthcare team to discuss further medical advice receiving this vaccine.
Learn More

Recurrence

Fear of recurrence is a universal concern of individuals with a cancer diagnosis and is one of the most frequent concerns for those who have completed treatment.
Learn More

Fertility & Family Planning

As survival rates rise among young cancer patients, so does the importance of discussing fertility preservation and family planning with healthcare providers.
Learn More

Questions to ask your doctor

It is often difficult to think of the right questions while you are in an appointment. We have a list of questions to ask your doctor at each stage of your cSCC journey.
Learn More
Hand holding phone showing donation page

Skin Cancer Resources

Melanoma & Skin Cancer Clinical Trials

Clinical trials provide individuals with cancer access to the newest types of treatment. These trials are studies of new therapies to determine whether a medication is safe and effective.

Find a Clinical Trial

Find a Treatment Centre Near You

A list of melanoma and skin cancer specialist at treatment centres across Canada. Type in your postal code in the search tool below to find a centre near you.

Tom Baker Centre
29 St NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2
Cross Cancer Institute
8440 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7
Cross Cancer Institute
11560 University Ave
Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2
Alberta Ocular Brachytherapy
10240 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB, T5H 3V9
British Columbia Cancer Agency (Surrey)
13750 96 Ave
Surrey, BC, V3V 1Z2
British Columbia Cancer Agency (Victoria)
2410 Lee Ave
Victoria, BC, V8R 4X1
CancerCare Manitoba
409 Tache Ave
Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6
Saint John Regional Hospital
400 University Ave
Saint John, NB, E2L 4L2
H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre
300 PPD
St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6
Nova Scotia Health Authority
1276 South Park St
Halifax, NS, B3H 2Y9
Cape Breton Cancer Centre
1482 George St
Sydney, NS, B1P 1P3
Royal Victoria Hospital of Barrie
201 Georgian Dr
Barrie, ON, L4M 7B7
Brampton/Etobicoke William Osler Health System
2100 Bovaird Dr E
Brampton, ON, L6R 3J7
Juravinski Cancer Centre
699 Concession St
Hamilton, ON, L8V 5C2
Grand River Hospital
835 King St W
Kitchener, ON, N2G 4K9
Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston General Hospital
25 King St W
Kingston, ON, K7L 2V7
London Health Sciences Centre
790 Commissioners Rd E
London, ON, N6A 4L6
Credit Valley Hospital – Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre
2200 Eglinton Ave W
Mississauga, ON, L5M 2N1
Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake
581 Davis Dr
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 2P6
Walker Family Cancer Centre
1200 Fourth Ave
St. Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9
R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre
1 Hospital Ct
Oshawa, ON, L1G 8A2
The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre
501 Smyth Rd
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6
Sudbury Regional Hospital – Regional Cancer Program
41 Ramsey Lake Rd
Greater Sudbury, ON, P3E 5J1
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
980 Oliver Rd
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6V4
Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook
2075 Bayview Ave
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5
Princess Margaret Hospital
610 University Ave
Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4
Windsor Regional Cancer Centre at Windsor Regional Hospital
2220 Kildare Rd
Windsor, ON, N8W 1L9
PEI Cancer Treatment Centre
60 Riverside Dr
Charlottetown, PE, C1A 0A9
Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital
3755 Chem. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2
Royal Victoria Hospital
687 Av. des Pins
Montréal, QC, H3A 1A1
Hotel Dieu de Quebec
11 Côte du Palais
Québec, QC, G1R 2J6
Allan Blair Cancer Centre, Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation
4101 Dewdney Ave
Regina, SK, S4T 1A5
Saskatoon Cancer Center
103 Hospital Dr
Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8