Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common types of skin cancer. It develops in the squamous cells, which are flat cells found in the outer layer of the skin. SCC can occur anywhere on the body but is most often found in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and hands. SCC tends to grow and spread more quickly than basal cell carcinoma, another common type of skin cancer. However, it is still usually curable, especially if caught and treated early.
What is remission?
When cancer goes into remission, it means the signs and symptoms of the cancer are reduced or gone completely. This can happen after treatment or even in some cases without treatment. Remission does not always mean the cancer has been cured, but it does mean there is no evidence of active disease at that point in time.
Complete remission means all signs of the cancer are gone. This includes any tumors or other lesions that were present before treatment. Imaging tests, biopsies, and blood tests may be used to confirm complete remission by showing no cancer cells remain in the body.
Partial remission means the tumors or lesions have shrunk significantly, by at least 50%. There is still some evidence of cancer present, but much less than before. Partial remission suggests the treatment is working to control the cancer.
Can squamous cell carcinoma go into remission?
Yes, squamous cell carcinoma can go into remission. With proper treatment, SCC often goes into complete remission. The specific treatment approach depends on factors like the location and stage of the cancer. Common treatments include:
- Surgery – Removing the tumor and surrounding tissue edges (margin)
- Radiation therapy – Using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells
- Chemotherapy – Using drugs to kill cancer cells
- Immunotherapy – Using medicines to boost the immune system to fight cancer
- Targeted therapy – Using drugs focused on specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells
These treatments aim to get rid of all detectable signs of the SCC. After treatment, regular follow-up exams and testing help confirm if the cancer is in remission or if any cancer cells remain. If SCC returns after a period of remission, it is considered a recurrence.
Remission rates for squamous cell carcinoma
Remission rates for SCC depend on the stage of the cancer:
- Stage 0 – Nearly 100% of cases go into complete remission after treatment.
- Stage I – Approximately 95% of cases go into complete remission after treatment.
- Stage II – Approximately 80-90% of cases go into complete remission after treatment.
- Stage III – Approximately 65-70% of cases go into complete remission after treatment.
- Stage IV – Approximately 40-60% of cases go into complete remission after treatment.
Higher stage cancers are less likely to go into complete remission because they are larger tumors or have spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. However, treatment can still frequently achieve long remissions even in advanced stage disease.
Factors affecting remission
Certain factors make it more or less likely for SCC to go into remission after treatment:
| Factor | Impact on Remission |
|---|---|
| Stage at diagnosis | Lower stage means higher remission rate |
| Location | SCC in sensitive areas like eyes, ears, lips have lower remission rates |
| Tumor thickness | Thinner tumors have higher remission rates |
| High-risk subtype | Aggressive subtypes like spindle cell carcinoma have lower remission rates |
| Treatment | More aggressive treatment leads to higher remission rates |
| Health | Younger, healthier patients have higher remission rates |
Talking to your doctor can help determine the likelihood of achieving remission based on the specific details of your squamous cell carcinoma.
Length of remission
How long SCC stays in remission varies greatly:
- Months to years – Many early stage SCCs stay in remission permanently after treatment.
- 5+ years – On average, advanced SCCs that initially respond to treatment stay in remission for many years.
- Lifelong – A subset of SCCs, even advanced ones, can potentially stay in lifelong remission.
Follow-up care is extremely important after treatment for SCC. Ongoing skin exams, imaging tests, and biopsies help detect any recurrence early when it is most treatable. Some doctors also recommend preventive treatments to keep the cancer from returning after remission.
Does remission mean cure?
Being in remission does not necessarily equal being cured of SCC. Cancer cells may still be present at levels undetectable by current tests. However, remission is an excellent outcome that means the cancer is under control.
The longer SCC stays in remission, the less likely it is to recur. Remission lasting 5 years or more is often considered a cure for many cancer types, including SCC. The cancer could still potentially come back after longer remissions, but the risk becomes quite low.
In general, early stage SCC has high cure rates, while advanced SCC is rarely considered cured even if a long remission is achieved. Discussing prognosis with your doctor can provide more personalized predictions about the likelihood of cure.
Follow up care during remission
Consistent follow-up is important after treatment for SCC. This allows any signs of recurrence to be detected early. Follow-up during remission often includes:
- Skin exams every 3-12 months
- Node exams every 3-6 months if lymph nodes were involved
- Imaging tests every 6-12 months
- Biopsies of suspicious lesions
- Blood tests for tumor markers
The frequency of testing is highest in the first 1-2 years when recurrence risk is greatest. The schedule is loosened if remission continues past 2 years. Report any new lumps, skin changes, or unusual symptoms to your doctor promptly.
Can you be in remission and still have cancer?
Yes, it is possible to be in remission yet still have detectable cancer at very low levels. This state is sometimes called partial remission or minimal residual disease. Cancer cells may still be present, but are too small or slow-growing to cause symptoms or be picked up on tests.
Over time, residual cancer cells may die off on their own or be kept under control by the immune system. Other times, they eventually grow and spread, causing the cancer to relapse out of remission. Early detection gives the best chance for successful retreatment.
Does remission mean the cancer won’t come back?
There is always a chance SCC could recur and relapse out of remission. However, the risk generally decreases the longer remission lasts. Remission for 5+ years often leads to long-term disease-free survival.
Recurrence risk depends on the original extent of the SCC:
- Stage 0-I – Very low recurrence risk if excision was complete
- Stage II-III – Up to 20% recurrence risk
- Stage IV – Around 30-40% recurrence risk
Detecting and treating a recurrence quickly provides the best outcomes. Let your doctor know immediately if you notice any new concerning skin lesions or symptoms.
Summary
Squamous cell carcinoma frequently goes into complete remission with proper treatment. Even advanced stage SCC can be pushed into remission for substantial periods of time. While being in remission reduces the risk of recurrence, ongoing follow-up care is crucial to catch any relapses early. Remission offers the possibility of long-term disease control and potential cure, especially when achieved rapidly with aggressive treatment.