SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC)
OVERVIEW
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer that develops from squamous keratinocytes in the epidermis. It most often occurs on chronically sun-exposed areas, including the face, scalp, ears, lips, neck, hands, and arms.
SCC has a greater potential than basal cell carcinoma to invade deeper tissues and spread to regional lymph nodes or other organs. The risk varies considerably according to the tumor's size, depth, location, histologic characteristics, and other clinical factors.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to reduce the risk of local progression, recurrence, and spread.
COMMON SIGNS AND APPEARANCE
Squamous cell carcinoma can have several different appearances. It may present as:
- A firm red, pink, or flesh-colored growth
- A rough, scaly, or thickened patch
- A persistent crusted or scabbed lesion
- A sore that does not heal
- A growth that bleeds repeatedly
- A wart-like lesion
- An ulcerated lesion
- A rapidly enlarging or tender growth
Some SCCs are painful or tender, while others produce few symptoms.
Images of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lesions
RISK FACTORS
Factors associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma include:
- Cumulative ultraviolet (UV) exposure
- History of significant or repeated sunburns
- Fair skin and tendency to burn easily
- Increasing age
- Actinic keratoses and extensive sun damage
- Personal history of SCC or another skin cancer
- Immunosuppression
- Previous radiation exposure
- Chronic wounds, scars, or areas of longstanding inflammation
- Indoor tanning
Although SCC occurs more frequently in fair skin, it can develop in people of any skin type.
DIAGNOSIS
A lesion suspicious for squamous cell carcinoma cannot be definitively diagnosed by appearance alone.
A biopsy is performed to obtain tissue for diagnosis. Depending on the lesion's size, location, and clinical characteristics, this may involve:
- Shave biopsy
- Punch biopsy
- Excisional biopsy or complete excision
The tissue specimen is sent to a pathology laboratory, where it is processed and examined microscopically by a pathologist or dermatopathologist.
The pathology report confirms the diagnosis and provides information about tumor characteristics important for determining subsequent management.
AFTER SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IS DIAGNOSED
Treatment planning begins after the pathology diagnosis is established.
Management depends on factors including:
- Whether the lesion is in situ or invasive
- Tumor size and depth
- Anatomic location
- Histologic characteristics
- Whether the tumor is primary or recurrent
- Clinical definition of the tumor borders
- Patient immune status and other risk factors
The goal of treatment is to completely remove or eradicate the cancer, reduce the risk of recurrence or spread, and preserve surrounding tissue and function.
Some squamous cell carcinomas can be managed with office-based treatment, while higher-risk tumors require specialized surgical or oncologic management.
👉 Learn more about Next Steps After a Skin Cancer Diagnosis
PROGNOSIS AND FOLLOW-UP
Most cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas have a favorable prognosis when detected and appropriately treated. However, SCC has a greater potential for recurrence and metastatic spread than basal cell carcinoma, particularly when high-risk tumor characteristics are present.
Patients diagnosed with SCC also have an increased risk of developing additional skin cancers, making continued skin surveillance important.
WHEN TO SEEK EVALUATION
Medical evaluation is appropriate for a lesion that:
- Does not heal
- Continues to enlarge or changes rapidly
- Repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or scabs
- Becomes thickened, rough, or ulcerated
- Develops a wart-like appearance
- Becomes painful or tender
- Changes within an area of chronic sun damage, scarring, or inflammation
Evaluate a Suspicious Skin Lesion
A persistent, growing, bleeding, crusted, or non-healing skin lesion should be evaluated to establish the diagnosis and determine appropriate care.
📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a dermatology evaluation.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not
replace individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend
on clinical findings, diagnostic requirements, and patient-specific factors.
Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical result can be guaranteed.
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