Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common, generally slow-growing cancer arising from squamous cells in the skin’s epidermis or lining of hollow organs. Primarily caused by UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, it typically appears as a firm, red nodule, scaly patch, or a sore that won’t heal, often on sun-exposed skin like the face, ears, and hands. 

SCC has a slightly higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis), but this is still a very rare occurrence. When found and treated early, SCC is almost always curable. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep into the skin, causing significant damage and disfigurement, and can be more difficult to treat. This is why early detection and proper treatment are so important.

SCC can also occur on other parts of the body that have squamous cells, such as the lining of the mouth, throat, lungs, or genitals.

Early detection is key, as treatment—usually surgery—results in a 99% 5-year survival rate, though it can spread if left untreated.

Symptoms

• Skin: Firm, red bumps; flat, scaly, or crusty patches; or rapidly growing, wart-like lesions.                                         
• Appearance:
   Red/purple/dark brown on darker skin tones; often look like acne or age spots that do not resolve
• Locations: Face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, or areas with previous scarring or inflammation.                                        
• Other areas: Can occur on the lips, mouth, or genitals. 

Causes and Risk Factors

UV Radiation: Exposure to sun and tanning beds damages DNA.

Skin Type: Fair skin, light hair, and a history of multiple sunburns increase risk.

Other Factors: Chronic wounds, immunosuppression, and HPV infection.

Types of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type and appears on the skin. It can look like a firm red nodule, a scaly patch, or a sore that doesn’t heal.

Keratoacanthoma (KA): This is a specific type of SCC that is often a fast-growing, dome-shaped tumor with a central crust.

Bowen’s Disease (Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ): This is a very early, non-invasive form of SCC. It means the cancer cells are confined to the top layer of the skin and have not spread deeper. It looks like a reddish, scaly patch that can be mistaken for eczema or psoriasis.

Stages

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): Early, limited to the epidermis.                                                                                                   
• Stages I & II: Localized, deeper but not spread.                                                                                                                               
• Stages III & IV: Spread to lymph nodes, or distant organs.

Prevention

• Prevention: Daily sunscreen use, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds.                                                           
• Diagnosis: Skin biopsy performed by a dermatologist.                                                                                                                   
• Action: Consult a doctor if a spot is changing, bleeding, or persists for more than 1–2 months. 

Treatment

• Excision: Surgical removal of the tumor.                                                                                                                                            
• Mohs Surgery: Specialized surgery for high-risk areas to remove cancer layer-by-layer.                                                       
• Cryotherapy: Freezing cells with liquid nitrogen.                                                                                                                                  
• Topical Medications: Creams for early or surface-level cancers.                                                                                                
• Radiation/Systemic Therapy: Used for advanced cases that have spread. 

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