At Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, we provide a comprehensive cancer program that offers those with squamous cell carcinoma of the genitals the latest treatment options. Our multidisciplinary team works together to create individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Genitals in Men
Surgery is a common treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. In some cases, radiation and/or chemotherapy may be given to ensure all the cancer cells have been destroyed.
Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis may be one or a combination of the following:
- Mohs Surgery: is a procedure in which the tumor is cut from the skin in layers. Layers of the tumor are removed and examined under a microscope. Layers are removed until there is no cancer seen under the microscope.
- Cyberknife ®: Cyberknife is a type of high-dose radiation that is delivered to the tumor via a robot that can move around the patient to precisely target the tumor.
- Cryosurgery: A procedure that freezes cancer cells to destroy abnormal tissues.
- Circumcision: All or part of the penis foreskin is removed.
- Wide Local Excision: A surgical procedure that removes the cancer and some normal surrounding tissue.
- Penectomy: A surgical procedure that removes part or the entire penis. If part of the penis is removed, it is a partial penectomy. If the entire penis is removed, it is a total penectomy.
- Topical therapy: Creams, lotions or gels containing cancer-fighting agents may be used to kill cancer cells.
Treatment for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Genitals in Women
At the Jordan Center for Gynecologic Cancers, cancer specialists offer the most advanced treatment and surgical options for women with squamous cell carcinoma of the genitals.
Treatment may be a combination of one or more of the following:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery, including:
- Vaginectomy: A surgeon will remove the vagina and usually some pelvic lymph nodes. A plastic surgeon can create a new vagina with grafts of tissue from other parts of the body.
- Hysterectomy: A hysterectomy may be performed as an open procedure, known as an abdominal hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed through an incision in the abdomen. When the uterus is removed through the vagina, it is called a vaginal hysterectomy. It is often performed as a minimally invasive procedure using a laparoscope.
- Topical therapy: Creams, lotions or gels containing cancer-fighting agents may be used to kill cancer cells.