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What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that appears on sun-damaged skin.

It is found most commonly on part of the body where the skin is exposed to the sun, including the scalp, upper rim of the ear, the face, lips, and shoulders.

Nearly 250,000 American are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma each year.  It is important to detect and treat skin cancer early before it spreads to other tissues.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that has not spread to other tissues is sometimes referred to as "SCC in situ", or Bowen’s disease. The cure rate for SCC in situ is over 95%.

Squamous cell carcinoma can appear in a number of forms, including:

• A dry, crusted, scaly patch of skin that is red and swollen at the base
• A sore that won’t heal
• Crusted skin
• A thickened, crusty patch of skin with a raised border with a pebbly, granular base

If your skin shows any of these symptoms, consult a dermatologist or your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor may perform a biopsy to diagnose skin cancer. During this procedure, a portion of the lesion is removed and examined under a microscope.

What is the treatment for squamous cell carcinoma?

The recommended treatment of squamous cell carcinoma depends on its type, location, risk, and the clinical judgment of your doctor.

Treatment options include:

• Excision—The SCC is removed with scalpel, and stitches are used close the wound. The tissue may be sent for further examination under a microscope to ensure the complete removal of abnormal cells.
• Electrodessication and curettage—May be used for small, superficial SCCs.
• Cryosurgery—May be used for small, superficial SCCs.
• Mohs Surgery is a specialized surgery often recommended for higher risk tumors, such as those that return in the same place after being previously treated. In this procedure, the tumor is removed in stages. Each portion of tissue is examined under a microscope to make sure that cancerous cells have been removed while sparing as much normal skin as possible. The Mohs Surgery Animation from Understand.com provides a step-by-step explanation of the Mohs Surgery procedure.

Early detection of squamous cell carcinoma

Actinic keratoses (AK) are considered an early form of squamous cell skin cancer. Your doctor will recommend treating an AK to prevent it from evolving into squamous cell carcinoma.

Once a person has developed an AK or squamous cell carcinoma, he or she is always at greater risk of developing another AK or SCC.

After being diagnosed with SCC, a person should seek regular dermatology exams and perform monthly skin self exams.

Where can I learn more about squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) (Skin Cancer Foundation)
• Squamous Cell Skin Cancer (American Academy of Dermatology)
  

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© 2010 Vivacare. Last updated August 30, 2010.

Images Courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

Additional Resources

Overview

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Overview