Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer. It is typically not life-threatening, but can locally damage other tissues and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Although it is less common than basal cell carcinoma, it has a higher risk of spreading to other areas of the body when it progresses. If it isn’t diagnosed and treated early, squamous cell carcinoma can become fatal.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary risk associated with developing squamous cell carcinoma. Thin, flattened cells known as squamous cells are responsible for protecting the underlying tissue in the epidermis. UV rays can cause these cells to mutate and grow at an accelerated rate, resulting in the development of tumors. Risk factors for this cancer include:

• Cumulative UV light exposure
• Fair skin that easily freckles and burns
• Light-colored eyes and hair
• Age
• Being a man
• Skin cancer in immediate family members
• Immune system diseases
• Radiation treatments
• Certain chemical exposures
• Skin injury or inflammation that is chronic or severe

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, hands and lower legs.

However, it is also possible for the cancer to develop on any other part of the body and in chronically injured or scarred skin. Not all cancerous lesions look the same, so you need to continually monitor your skin for changes and talk to your dermatologist if you find anything that concerns you.

Squamous cell carcinoma typically appears as:

• Hardened, red nodules
• Rough, thickened skin
• Scaly patches
• Flat sores
• Open sores
• Elevated marks that are similar to warts
• Raised growths with indentations
• Unusual marks surrounded by wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loose skin

Squamous cell carcinoma tumors don’t heal properly and may have associated oozing, crusting, bleeding, and itching. People who have this cancer often have signs of sun damage, such as wrinkles, sunspots, and precancerous growths, including actinic keratoses (AK), for years before the cancer develops.

There are steps that you can take to lower your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. One of the most important steps for preventing skin cancer is avoiding overexposure to UV radiation, especially during the time of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. Seek shelter, don’t use artificial tanning devices, cover up with a shirt, hat, and sunglasses when you go out, and continually re-apply broadspectrum sunscreen each day.

If you’ve spotted an abnormality on your skin that doesn’t disappear over several weeks, talk to a dermatologist. There are various treatments available from our Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer Institute physicians. The best treatment option for a particular patient will depend on a range of factors, including the lesion’s size, location, potential risk for scarring and patient’s health. Available treatments include Mohs surgery, excision, electrodessication and curettage, cryosurgery, and prescription topical medications.