What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the outermost layer of the skin—the epidermis—and can become serious if left untreated. While most SCCs remain localized, a small percentage can spread to nearby lymph nodes, tissues, or even distant organs. SCCs can grow quickly and may become painful over time, especially if they go untreated.
Where Does It Develop?
Like Basal Cell Carcinomas, SCCs often form on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, hands, and scalp. However, they can also appear on mucous membranes—including the lips and tongue—where the risk of spreading is significantly higher.
What Does It Look Like?
Squamous Cell Carcinomas may appear in a variety of forms. Common features include:
How Is It Treated?
A skin biopsy is the first step in diagnosing SCC and determining whether it’s in-situ (confined to the upper layers of skin) or invasive (has penetrated deeper into the skin or beyond).
Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the lesion:
Mohs Surgery offers the highest cure rate by allowing real-time examination of tissue during removal, helping ensure all cancerous cells are eliminated while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.