Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, with approximately 700,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States.

This type of skin cancer typically develops on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over many years. SCC is most commonly found on sun-exposed regions, such as the head, neck, and back of the hands. In women, it is frequently seen on the lower legs.

While SCC is most common on these areas, it can also occur on other parts of the body, including the inside of the mouth, lips, and genital area.

Though SCC can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, this is relatively rare. When diagnosed and treated early, SCC is highly treatable and curable.

Book Online

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC):

  • A rough bump or lump on the skin.
  • As the bump grows, it may become dome-shaped, crusty, and could bleed.
  • A sore that does not heal or heals and then returns.
  • A flat, reddish, scaly patch that grows slowly (this is known as Bowen’s disease).
  • In rare cases, SCC can start under a nail, which may lead to the destruction of the nail.
  • SCC can develop from a pre-cancerous growth, such as an actinic keratosis (AK). In adults over 40, approximately 40 to 60 percent of SCC cases begin in an AK.

Causes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
The primary cause of SCC is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. Other contributing factors include:

  • Long-term exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, such as those found in tobacco smoke, tar, arsenic in drinking water, or certain insecticides and herbicides.
  • Severe burns.
  • Chronic ulcers or sores on the skin that last for months or years.
  • Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Diagnosis & Treatment:
The diagnosis of SCC, like that of basal cell carcinoma, requires a skin biopsy, a simple and quick procedure performed in the office. Treatment options for SCC include:

  • Excision:
    This procedure involves numbing the area and surgically removing the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. Excision is often the standard treatment for SCC, typically completed in 15 to 30 minutes during an outpatient/in-office visit.*
  • Mohs Surgery:
    Mohs surgery is recommended for larger SCCs or those located on the head and neck, offering the highest chance for complete removal with minimal tissue loss.
  • Curettage and Electrodessication:
    In this method, the tumor is scraped off, and electricity is used to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
  • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
    PDT uses light therapy to treat very early-stage skin cancers, helping to remove cancerous cells.
  • Chemotherapy Creams:
    Topical creams, such as Imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), can treat early-stage SCC or shrink tumors before they are surgically removed.*
  • Radiation:
    Radiation is typically used for SCCs that cannot be surgically removed, or when surgery may not be the best option. Radiation therapy usually involves 15 to 30 treatments.

Outcome:
Based on our experience and literature reports, standard excision and Mohs surgery offer the highest chance of cure for SCC, a highly treatable form of malignant skin cancer.*

Do you have any questions about Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists at our Los Alamitos or Agoura Hills office, please contact us for a consultation.

Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person.