Calgary Skin Cancer Centre

Calgary Skin Cancer CentreCalgary Skin Cancer CentreCalgary Skin Cancer Centre

Calgary Skin Cancer Centre

Calgary Skin Cancer CentreCalgary Skin Cancer CentreCalgary Skin Cancer Centre
  • Home
  • What is skin cancer?
    • Overview of skin cancer
    • Basal Cell Carcinoma
    • Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    • Melanoma
    • Merkel Cell
    • Actinic Keratosis
    • Rare types of skin cancer
  • Mohs Surgery
    • What is Mohs Surgery?
    • Your Surgery Day
    • Wound Care Instructions
    • FAQ
  • Wide Excisions
    • What is a Wide Excision?
    • Melanoma Wide Excision
    • How to Prepare
    • Medications to Avoid
    • What To Expect
  • Be sun wise
    • What is sun damage?
    • UVA & UVB
    • Sun protection
    • Sunscreen 101
  • Our Team
    • Dr. Jennifer Guillemaud
    • Heather Harper, NP
    • Dr. Mike Sander
    • The Team
    • Charities We Love
  • Contact Us
  • Products We Love
  • More
    • Home
    • What is skin cancer?
      • Overview of skin cancer
      • Basal Cell Carcinoma
      • Squamous Cell Carcinoma
      • Melanoma
      • Merkel Cell
      • Actinic Keratosis
      • Rare types of skin cancer
    • Mohs Surgery
      • What is Mohs Surgery?
      • Your Surgery Day
      • Wound Care Instructions
      • FAQ
    • Wide Excisions
      • What is a Wide Excision?
      • Melanoma Wide Excision
      • How to Prepare
      • Medications to Avoid
      • What To Expect
    • Be sun wise
      • What is sun damage?
      • UVA & UVB
      • Sun protection
      • Sunscreen 101
    • Our Team
      • Dr. Jennifer Guillemaud
      • Heather Harper, NP
      • Dr. Mike Sander
      • The Team
      • Charities We Love
    • Contact Us
    • Products We Love

  • Home
  • What is skin cancer?
    • Overview of skin cancer
    • Basal Cell Carcinoma
    • Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    • Melanoma
    • Merkel Cell
    • Actinic Keratosis
    • Rare types of skin cancer
  • Mohs Surgery
    • What is Mohs Surgery?
    • Your Surgery Day
    • Wound Care Instructions
    • FAQ
  • Wide Excisions
    • What is a Wide Excision?
    • Melanoma Wide Excision
    • How to Prepare
    • Medications to Avoid
    • What To Expect
  • Be sun wise
    • What is sun damage?
    • UVA & UVB
    • Sun protection
    • Sunscreen 101
  • Our Team
    • Dr. Jennifer Guillemaud
    • Heather Harper, NP
    • Dr. Mike Sander
    • The Team
    • Charities We Love
  • Contact Us
  • Products We Love

What is a Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the top layer of skin, called the epidermis, and if left untreated, can penetrate all the way down to bone. A small percentage of SCC's may even spread to distant organs, tissues and/or lymph nodes if not treated in a timely matter. SCC's can grow rapidly in a short amount of time and may become very painful. 

Where does it develop?

Like Basal Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinomas develop in areas where the skin has had UV exposure. It can also develop on mucous membranes, like the lips and tongue, where they have a much higher risk of spreading. 

What do they look like?

They can have a “wart-like” quality to them that can crust and bleed, appear as a persistent red patch with irregular borders, or an open sore that will not heal. Sometimes they can even grow a “cutaneous horn”, which is hard like a fingernail. 

How is it treated?

A biopsy can confirm the spot is a SCC and what sub-type it is, In-situ (only found in the upper layer of the skin), or invasive (has begun to penetrate the deeper layers of skin). Depending on the type and location, a few treatment options are available. For Squamous Cell in-Situ, a topical immune-stimulating cream, such as Zyclara, can be used to stimulate the body to repair the damaged tissue. If the tumour does not respond to topical therapy, then surgical excision is indicated. For invasive SCC's, surgical intervention is required, either as a wide-excision or Mohs Micrographic Surgery. 

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

    Resources

    Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation

    Canadian Dermatology Association

    Canadian Cancer Society

    Copyright © 2025 Calgary Skin Cancer Centre - All Rights Reserved.


    Powered by

    FULL SKIN REVIEW

    1 in 6 Canadians will be diagnosed with skin cancer. If you do not have a Healthcare Provider checking your skin annually, click to connect with us! 

    Book now!