Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Description

• Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the outer layers of the skin, often on areas with the most sun exposure such as the face, ears, lips, scalp, neck, and hands.

  SCC may look like a rough, scaly patch, a firm red bump, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a growth that crusts or bleeds. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, SCC has a greater risk of spreading if left untreated, especially when it grows deeper or appears on the lips, ears, or in people with weakened immune systems.

  The good news is that when caught early, SCC is highly treatable. Treatments may include surgical excision, Mohs surgery, electrodesiccation and curettage, cryotherapy, or topical or light-based therapies depending on the case.

When to come in?

You should schedule a dermatology visit promptly if you notice:

• A new, persistent scaly patch or rough bump that doesn’t heal.

• A firm red nodule or growth that continues to enlarge.

• A sore that bleeds, crusts, or reopens repeatedly.

• A spot with a wart-like surface or a sore on the lip, ear, or other sun-exposed areas.

• Any lesion that is painful, tender, or thickened.

• Changes in a previously diagnosed actinic keratosis (precancerous lesion) such as rapid growth, hardening, or ulceration.

Because SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer and has a higher potential than basal cell carcinoma to spread to deeper tissues or lymph nodes, early detection and treatment are very important.

How is it treated? 

Most SCCs can be treated effectively, especially when detected early. The treatment chosen depends on the size, depth, and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Common treatments include:

• Surgical Excision: The cancer is cut out along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure complete removal.

• Mohs Surgery: Used for higher-risk areas (like the face, ears, or lips). The cancer is removed layer by layer and examined under a microscope until all abnormal cells are gone — this offers the highest cure rate while preserving healthy skin.

• Electrodesiccation & Curettage (ED&C): The cancer is scraped away, and the area is treated with heat to kill remaining cancer cells (best for small, low-risk SCCs).

• Cryotherapy (Freezing): Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy very superficial SCCs.

• Topical Medications or Photodynamic Therapy: Sometimes used for early, thin SCCs.

• Radiation Therapy: Considered if surgery isn’t possible.