Possible Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The majority of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) arise from pre-cancerous actinic keratoses, which are crusty or scaly growths on the skin. Patients with a history of chronic sun exposure are at increased risk for developing actinic keratoses and SCC, however, individuals with fair skin and a history of blistering childhood sunburns also have an increased risk.
Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in areas that have had sun exposure. The head, face, neck, ears, lips, backs of the hands and forearms are most commonly involved.
Warning signs that should prompt evaluation by a physician include:
A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust or erode
A new growth or wart-like sore
A small lump or nodule that is rough in texture
Scaly patches on the skin or scalp that may bleed when scratched
If you have a suspicious spot on your skin, the only way to be sure it’s not squamous cell carcinoma is to see your doctor. There are a few signs that can help you identify possible areas of concern.
Look for a firm red nodule that grows relatively quickly and may or may not be tender;
Check for scaling and/or crusting on the sun-exposed skin, especially the face, ears, neck and arms;
Examine any flat lesion with an irregular border and/or areas of pigmentation (color) within it.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common types of skin cancer and is diagnosed in over 200,000 people each year in the U.S. alone. SCC forms in squamous cells, which are flat cells that form the tissue just below the outer layer of epidermis.
Squamous cell carcinoma is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light and is more common in older adults and those with fair skin, a tendency to burn rather than tan or a history of sunburns. It often appears on skin that has been exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck, arms and hands.
In its earliest stage, squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a red or pink nodule or scaly patch that resembles a wart or patch of eczema. The nodule may be firm or tender and may bleed if bumped or scratched. As it grows larger, however, it can take on other shapes and forms. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can become invasive and spread to other parts of the body.*
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It begins in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin).
In the early stages, SCC often looks like a scaly red patch or a sore that won’t heal. The edges may be slightly indented with a crusted surface. The tumor may bleed easily if knocked or bumped. SCCs can also look like warts, but unlike warts, they don’t usually go away.
The most common places for SCC to develop are:
The rim of the earAn area of sun-damaged skinFaceNeckHandsArmsChestLegsLipsOther mucous membranes
SCC can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening if not treated early and properly.
Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as epidermoid carcinoma, is the second most common type of skin cancer. A squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a firm red nodule, a scaly growth that bleeds or develops a crust, or a sore that doesn’t heal. It most often occurs on sun-exposed surfaces of the body including the rim of the ear, the face, neck and back of the hands, arms, and legs.
It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. These tumors arise in the squamous cells that make up most of the skin’s upper layer (epidermis). Squamous cell carcinoma is curable if diagnosed and treated early.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that forms in squamous cells, which are the thin, flat cells that make up the upper layer of your skin. Like basal cell carcinoma, SCC is the result of DNA damage to your skin cells—usually caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
Squamous cell carcinomas can appear as rough, scaly patches on your skin that can bleed if they’re bumped or scratched. The lesions can also take on a warty or raised appearance. These growths usually develop on areas of your body that receive frequent exposure to UV rays such as your head and neck, ears, hands and arms. They are also common in scars or chronic skin sores elsewhere on your body.
SCC may eventually spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to see a dermatologist for a full-body examination every year so that we can catch any suspicious spots before they become a serious problem.
If you’ve noticed a new bump or sore that doesn’t seem to be healing properly, visit us at Associated Dermatologists today! Our expert dermatologists will be able to determine if you’re suffering from SCC and create
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that begins in squamous cells. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales, and are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Squamous cell carcinoma may spread through blood vessels or lymph vessels to distant parts of the body. When squamous cell carcinoma spreads from its original location to another part of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor.