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Squamous Cell Cancer Specialist

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common cancer of the skin and the lining of the organs that require specialized attention. Dr. Bharat Pothuri at GastroDoxs in Houston is a comprehensive diagnostician who provides individualized treatment programs as well as advanced treatment therapies including Mohs surgery, targeted medication therapy to enhance the life quality and treatment outcome of patients.

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Difficulty Swallowing

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Long-term sun exposure
Use of tanning beds
The skin is fair, the eyes light in color, or the hair
History of frequent sunburns
Crippled immune system (disease or drugs)
Persistent skin damage or disease
Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption (throat/esophageal cancers)

Signs and Symptoms

Hard, deep, flake-like patch on the skin
Aches without healing or bleeding
Difficulty or pain in swallowing
Hoarse voice, chronic cough, ear ache
Inappropriate fatigue or loss of weight

Expert Treatment for Squamous Cell Cancer by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Exam

He examines your history-onset, history-duration, history-character, history-aggravators, and history-relievers of your epigastric pain and evaluates associated risk factors, including NSAID use, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress and previous GI diagnoses.

Blood Tests

These include a complete blood count (CBC), liver enzymes, pancreatic enzymes (amylase/lipase), Helicobacter pylori serology or breath test, and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR).

Imaging Studies

Abdominal ultrasound to check the liver, the gallbladder, the biliary tree and the pancreas whether they are obstructed by stones or inflamed.
Abdominal CT scan or MRI where an in-depth anatomic detail is required.
Endoscopy (EGD) to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and duodenum with ulcer and/or suspicious lesion biopsies.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

Gastric emptying tests of gastroparesis, esophageal pH-impedance tests of reflux, or manometry of motility disorders to identify less frequent causes of epigastric discomfort.

Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for squamous cell cancer.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Support

Consume foods containing fruits, vegetables, and low- or non-fat proteins
Stop smoking and alcohol drinking
Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen on a daily basis
Use stress coping skills such as walking or meditation

2. Medications

Small skin tumors: Creams or topical treatment
Treatment of cancer in a more advanced or spreading stage
Specific antibodies preventing the development of cancer cells

3. Advanced or Minimally Invasive Procedures

Mohs surgery to excise skin cancer using the least amount of surrounding tissue
Cancers of the esophagus or throat: Endoscopic surgeries
Radiation treatment, and newer types of radiation therapy such as IMRT

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

What is the distinction between squamous cell and basal cell cancer?

Basal cell cancer is slow growing and hardly spreads out of source. The squamous cell cancer may develop at a very rapid rate and is prone to spreading in case it is not treated early.

Is it possible to manage squamous cell cancer at an early stage at home?

No. To maximize the destruction of a squamous cell cancer of any stage, it must be assessed and treated by a healthcare provider to minimize chances of recurrence.

What is the duration of Mohs surgery recovery?

Majority of the patients recover in a period of one to two weeks. Scarring in most cases is minimal and Dr. Pothuri uses comprehensive instructions on wound-care to ensure that a patient gets the best healing.

Does it have non-surgical treatment alternatives?

Yes. Treatment can involve topical therapy of small lesions on the skin, radiation therapy or specific systemic agents depending on your case.

What is the frequency of the follow-up?

First, the first two years are to be followed up with visits at 3-6-month intervals. The annual exams typically suffice to check the recurrence or new growths.

Does it inherit squamous cell cancer?

There are vast majority of such cases associated with UV exposure and environmental factors. There are rare inherited predispositions but can occur in some genetic syndromes.

Treatment of esophageal squamous cell cancer in Houston?

Yes. Dr. Pothuri provides complex diagnostics and minimal invasive endoscopic therapy of the esophageal squamous cell cancer in GastroDoxs, Houston.

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