Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) originate from the skin cells that are present in the outer-most layer of the skin, called the epidermis. These cells are referred to as squamous cells and are popular for their ability to undergo constant changes. They can change shape, can flatten and can even thicken. This is why they are easily exposed to sunlight and other UV radiations.

When SCCs occur on the skin, they usually look like scaly red patches or open sores. They might also appear as raised growths with a central depression. SCCs often feel rough; they might bleed if brushed against clothing or towels. Some of these carcinomas tend to grow rapidly while others might take their own time in growing and spreading over months or even years.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or from tanning beds. This type of cancer arises from the squamous cells, which are thin and flat and comprise most of the upper layer of the skin (the epidermis).

Researchers have learned that squamous cell carcinomas fall into two major categories: actinic keratoses and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. Actinic keratoses are precancerous lesions that can be treated in the office with liquid nitrogen and topical medications. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas can be either invasive or noninvasive. Noninvasive tumors are called Bowen’s disease and can often be treated in the office with liquid nitrogen, topical medications or laser therapy. Invasive tumors require minor surgery for removal and often require a biopsy to determine if they have spread deeper into the tissue or have metastasized (spread) to other areas of the body through lymphatic vessels or blood vessels.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor that looks something like a mushroom. It can appear on any part of the body, but most often in areas that have been exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun.

SCCs are the second most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). They are usually found on the face, ears, neck, lips and backs of hands.

Squamous cell carcinomas of the skin tend to grow slowly and can be easily removed when they are small. But if left untreated, they can spread deeper into the skin and possibly to other parts of your body. This type of cancer has a high cure rate if caught early.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a skin cancer that appears as a pink, scaly lump or sore. It can spread to other parts of the body.

SCC starts in cells called keratinocytes. These squamous cells make up most of the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis).

Squamous cell carcinoma may look like a scaly red patch, an open sore, a raised growth with a lower area in the center, or a wart. It might crust or bleed. The sore may get larger and more painful over time.

It can occur anywhere on your body but is most common on areas exposed to the sun such as your face, ears, neck, lips and backs of hands. Avoiding too much sun exposure can help prevent this type of skin cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a skin cancer that forms in the squamous cells. These are the thin, flat cells that make up the surface of the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a firm red nodule, with a scaly or crusted surface on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, lips and back of hands. It can also form in scars or ulcers on other areas of body. The most common type is an SCC of the lip.

SCC can be treated by cryosurgery (freezing), laser surgery or Mohs surgery (microscopically controlled surgery). Treatment also includes radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat internal tumors.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that is caused by overexposure to the sun. It is most common on areas of the body exposed to the sun. This cancer can be found in places like your arms, hands, legs, feet, face and other places on the body.

Squamous cell carcinoma does come in different sizes and have different appearances. It can be reddish patches, open sores and scaly skin. These types of cancers are known as actinic keratosis.

Other types of squamous cell carcinomas are nodular squamous cell carcinomas they tend to look more like a bump or lump on the skin. They can look like scaly pink bumps or rough red lumps with a horn-like projection.

Another type is called SCC in situ which is also known as Bowen disease. It looks like thickened red patches that are not raised like other types of squamous cells.

The best way to prevent getting squamous cell carcinoma is to not overexpose yourself to sunlight or tanning beds or other sources of UV rays. If you do get these cancers there are several ways to treat it depending on how big it is and where it is located.

If you happen

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can be found anywhere on the body, but most commonly occurs in areas exposed to a lot of sun. The most common locations are the face, lips, ears, mouth and back of hands. There are also other factors that can contribute to this type of cancer such as family history, race or skin color, chronic scarring and previous radiation therapy.

Some symptoms that can be seen with squamous cell carcinoma include a firm red nodule that is usually tender and may bleed easily. There can also be scaly patches or open sores that do not heal. Some people have a rough patch on the skin that looks like sandpaper; others may notice a wart like growth and benign growths such as moles may also turn into squamous cell carcinoma.

The main treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is surgery to remove the tumor from the body. Dermatologists will try to remove as little healthy skin tissue as possible. Radiation therapy has been used for large tumors or tumors located in areas where removing healthy tissue could lead to adverse effects such as in the eye or near vital organs or nerves.

It is important to catch this early on so it does not spread to other parts of the body