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Real members of MyLungCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Squamous cell carcinoma

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Manteca, CA

What to worry about with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Is it curable? It is a 7.5 Centimeter tumor can not be surgically removed, due to location. What is the life expectancy for a 80 year old man, that is healthy otherwise. With squamous Cell Carcinoma. What is chemo and radiation treatment like for someone his age. Do I have to keep him away from children and family? Is the treatment going to make him sick?

November 20, 2025
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A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Thank you so much.

November 20, 2025
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Both radiotherapy and especially chemotherapy will deplete his immune system, so it is important for him to be up to date on his flu, RSV and COVID vaccines, if he is one that takes them. Also use strict infection control techniques like not allowing street shoes to be worn in the house, washing hands anytime you or guests come into the house and after sneezing/coughing, not allowing anyone with visible signs of a cold or flu around him/in the house, and have him wear a surgical mask or better when out in public.

Both therapies can be hard on the patient, regardless of age. Radiation can irritate the lining of the airways and esophagus, causing increased coughing and painful swallowing after a number of treatments. Chemo can also cause increased coughing, as well as painful joints and ligaments and nausea. His oncologist should be able to adjust the dosage as mentioned above and provide meds for any of the other side effects.

Both therapies will likely cause daily fatigue/sleepiness that will continue well after therapy ends. His thyroid and vitamin B levels should be checked periodically and corrected if out of normal range. I've suffered with the chronic fatigue for 5 years though all my blood work stays normal, so I've resigned myself to it.

It would be nice if his oncologist was comfortable with just giving him Keytruda immunotherapy to begin with and see if it works well. It tends to have less severe side effects, as long as he doesn't already have an autoimmune disease.

Stay positive!
Tony

November 20, 2025
MyLungCancerTeam

What are the concerns with squamous cell lung carcinoma, and is it curable?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that's strongly associated with smoking. When a tumor cannot be surgically removed due to its location, treatment typically focuses on chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted medications Show Full Answer

What are the concerns with squamous cell lung carcinoma, and is it curable?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that's strongly associated with smoking. When a tumor cannot be surgically removed due to its location, treatment typically focuses on chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted medications to control the cancer and manage symptoms.

The curability depends largely on the stage and spread of the cancer. Earlier-stage disease has better outcomes, but when surgery isn't an option, the goal often shifts to controlling the cancer and maintaining quality of life.

What is the life expectancy for an 80-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma?

Life expectancy varies significantly based on how far the cancer has spread:

- If cancer is only in the lung, people are 65% as likely to be alive five years or more compared to those without lung cancer
- If cancer has spread to nearby tissues, the rate drops to 37%
- If cancer has spread to distant organs, it's 9%

Age and overall health also play important roles. Being otherwise healthy is positive, though advanced age can affect treatment tolerance. What is chemo and radiation treatment like for an 80-year-old?

Treatment for inoperable lung cancer often combines chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These can help shrink tumors, especially those blocking airways, and control cancer growth.

Side effects can include fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms, though modern treatments have improved tolerability. The treatment team will adjust doses and schedules based on how he responds and his overall health.

Do you need to keep him away from children and family?

No, you don't need to isolate him from children and family during treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation don't make a person radioactive or contagious. Family support is actually very important during cancer treatment.

The only brief exception might be during certain radiation treatments where minimal precautions are advised, but your care team will provide specific guidance if needed.

Will treatment make him sick?

Treatment can cause side effects, and they vary by person. Common effects include fatigue, changes in appetite, and nausea. However, many side effects can be managed with supportive medications and care.

Your medical team will monitor closely and adjust treatment to balance effectiveness with quality of life, which is especially important at age 80.

November 20, 2025

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