Your doctor may recommend this treatment if you have metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) — a type of skin cancer that starts in the squamous cells of the skin and has spread to other areas of the body. Depending on the situation, radiation therapy may be used alone or along with other treatments. RELATED: What Are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?
When Is Radiation Therapy Used for CSCC and Metastatic CSCC?
Surgery is usually the preferred way to treat CSCC. But radiation therapy is a treatment choice for CSCCs that are superficial (haven’t penetrated below the top layer of the skin) or can’t be cut out. Some elderly patients who aren’t well enough to have surgery may consider radiation treatment for their skin lesions. Sometimes radiation is used after surgery if there’s a high risk that the cancer will spread. In this case, the therapy lowers the chances that the cancer will come back. Doctors might also recommend radiation for metastatic CSCC if your tumor is large, has grown deep, or is hard to remove. It can also be used to treat skin cancers that have spread to lymph nodes or other organs. If your cancer is very advanced, radiation therapy can help lessen your pain and make you more comfortable. RELATED: The Right Hat Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer
Types of Radiation Therapy for Metastatic CSCC
The different types of radiation therapy used to treat metastatic CSCC include:
Superficial radiation therapy This treatment involves directing beams of radiation right beneath the surface of the skin. Only the tumor is treated. It’s usually performed by a dermatologist in an office setting.External beam radiation A machine outside the body sends high-energy beams of radiation into the tumor to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy usually involves administering about 30 treatments over six weeks, but that depends on the type used and your specific condition. Your doctor can help you decide on the most effective form of radiation. RELATED: 10 Sun-Care Products That Dermatologists Use
Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
The radiation procedure itself is usually painless. But like most treatments, radiation therapy can cause unwanted side effects, such as:
Skin irritation, including redness, peeling, and blisteringSkin color changesHair loss in the treated areaTiredness or fatigueDamage to teeth and saliva-making glands when the cancers are near these areas
Side effects tend to be worse the longer treatment continues. Radiation can be hard on your body. Be sure to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and follow your doctor’s instructions while undergoing this therapy. RELATED: How to Identify, Prevent, and Treat a Sunscreen Allergy
Secondary Cancers and Other Concerns
People who have radiation therapy are more likely to develop new skin cancers in the areas treated. That’s why doctors usually don’t recommend radiation for skin cancers in young people. Typically, the same area shouldn’t be treated twice with radiation. If a CSCC grows in a spot that was radiated, it should be removed surgically. Sometimes, an area won’t heal as well from surgery if it’s already been targeted with radiation. The treatment isn’t suitable for individuals with inherited conditions that increase the risk of skin cancer, such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). Additionally, radiation may worsen symptoms for people with certain connective tissue diseases, such as lupus, or scleroderma. RELATED: Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Indoors?
Outcomes of Radiation Therapy for Metastatic CSCC
CSCC is typically easy to treat if it’s caught early. But, once CSCC has metastasized to other areas of the body, the prognosis isn’t as good. In fact, according to Harvard Medical School, less than half of people who have a CSCC that’s spread beyond the skin live five years. Some studies have shown radiation therapy may help improve survival and lower the likelihood of recurrence in certain patients with CSCC. The therapy can also function as a palliative treatment, helping to provide comfort and relieve pain. RELATED: The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen
CSCC: The Bottom Line
Radiation therapy is an option for some people with metastatic CSCC. The treatment might be given alone, after surgery, or along with other medicines. Because of the potential risks and side effects, radiation usually isn’t recommended for young people. Talk to your doctor to determine if radiation therapy might be an appropriate treatment for your skin cancer.
