Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The most common cause of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps. Over time, repeated UV exposure damages the DNA within skin cells. While the body is able to repair much of this damage, some changes persist and accumulate with age.

When enough DNA damage occurs, affected skin cells can begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably, eventually developing into squamous cell carcinoma. Most SCCs arise from the squamous cells that make up the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis).

Although UV exposure is the primary risk factor, other factors can increase the risk of SCC, including fair skin, a history of frequent sunburns, advancing age, a weakened immune system, certain precancerous lesions (such as actinic keratoses), and previous radiation exposure.

Fortunately, when detected early, squamous cell carcinoma is highly treatable. Regular skin examinations and prompt evaluation of any new or changing skin lesions are the best ways to identify SCC before it has the opportunity to grow or spread.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common types of skin cancer. Although anyone can develop SCC, it is most frequently diagnosed in people with a history of significant sun exposure and tends to become more common with age.

Factors that increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma include:

• Cumulative sun exposure over many years, especially for those who work or spend significant time outdoors.
• Use of tanning beds or sunlamps, which expose the skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• Fair skin, light-colored eyes, or blond or red hair, as these individuals have less protective melanin.
• A history of frequent or severe sunburns, particularly during childhood or adolescence.
• Precancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratoses.
• A weakened immune system, including people who have received an organ transplant, are taking immunosuppressive medications, or have certain medical conditions.
• A personal history of skin cancer, which increases the likelihood of developing another skin cancer.
• Previous radiation therapy or chronic inflammation or scarring in the skin.
• Rare inherited conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, which greatly increase sensitivity to UV radiation.

While these factors increase risk, squamous cell carcinoma can occur in anyone. Performing regular skin self-examinations, protecting your skin from UV exposure, and scheduling routine skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist are the best ways to detect SCC early, when treatment is most effective.

Early diagnosis is one of the most important factors in successfully treating squamous cell carcinoma. If you notice a new, changing, or non-healing skin lesion, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with a dermatologist.

Squamous cell carcinoma most commonly develops on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, including the face, ears, scalp, lips, neck, forearms, and backs of the hands. However, it can also occur on less sun-exposed areas, including the genital region, the soles of the feet, inside the mouth, or within chronic scars or non-healing wounds.

You should seek medical evaluation if you notice any of the following:

• A rough, scaly, or crusted patch that persists or continues to grow.
• A firm, red or flesh-colored bump.
• A sore that does not heal within several weeks or repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or reopens.
• A thickened, wart-like growth.
• A rough or scaly patch on the lip that may develop into a persistent sore.
• Any skin lesion that changes in size, shape, color, or texture, or becomes painful, tender, or bleeds.

Many of these changes are not skin cancer, but they should always be evaluated to determine whether treatment is needed. If squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed early, it is highly treatable and can often be removed before it has the opportunity to grow deeper or spread.

Yes. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma are both forms of skin cancer, but they arise from different types of skin cells and behave differently.

Squamous cell carcinoma develops from squamous cells, which make up most of the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). It is commonly caused by cumulative ultraviolet (UV) exposure over many years. While SCC can become locally destructive and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body, it is highly treatable when detected early.

Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells that give skin its color. Although melanoma is less common than SCC, it has a greater tendency to spread (metastasize) if not diagnosed and treated early, making prompt detection especially important.

The good news is that both squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma have excellent outcomes when identified and treated in their earliest stages. Regular skin examinations, sun protection, and prompt evaluation of any new or changing skin lesions are the best ways to reduce your risk of serious skin cancer. FIFTH: How Quickly Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Spread?

Most squamous cell carcinomas grow slowly and are highly curable when diagnosed and treated early. Unlike melanoma, it is uncommon for SCC to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

However, some squamous cell carcinomas are more aggressive than others. Factors such as tumor size, depth of invasion, location, recurrence, weakened immune function, and certain high-risk microscopic features can increase the likelihood of spread.

Because it is impossible to predict the behavior of an individual skin cancer based on appearance alone, any suspicious lesion should be evaluated promptly. If squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed, your dermatologist will determine whether it has any high-risk features and recommend the most appropriate treatment. In the vast majority of cases, treatment is highly successful, particularly when the cancer is detected before it has had an opportunity to grow deeper or spread.

Most squamous cell carcinomas grow slowly and are highly curable when diagnosed and treated early. Unlike melanoma, it is uncommon for SCC to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

However, some squamous cell carcinomas are more aggressive than others. Factors such as tumor size, depth of invasion, location, recurrence, weakened immune function, and certain high-risk microscopic features can increase the likelihood of spread.

Because it is impossible to predict the behavior of an individual skin cancer based on appearance alone, any suspicious lesion should be evaluated promptly. If squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed, your dermatologist will determine whether it has any high-risk features and recommend the most appropriate treatment. In the vast majority of cases, treatment is highly successful, particularly when the cancer is detected before it has had an opportunity to grow deeper or spread.