What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma? Signs, Risks, and What to Do Next

Quick answer: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common forms of skin cancer. It often appears as a rough, scaly patch, non-healing sore or raised bump on sun-exposed skin. While SCC is usually highly treatable when detected early, delaying treatment may allow the cancer to grow deeper into the skin and surrounding tissue. Regular skin cancer screenings can help detect suspicious lesions early.

Many people are unfamiliar with what squamous cell carcinoma actually looks like. Unlike melanoma, which often develops as a dark or changing mole, squamous cell skin cancer may appear as a rough patch, scaly bump or sore that does not heal properly.

Understanding the early signs of skin cancer can help patients seek treatment sooner and reduce the risk of complications.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma vs. Basal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma	Basal Cell Carcinoma
Often appears as rough or scaly patches	Often appears as pearly or shiny bumps
May crust, bleed or become painful	May look translucent or waxy
More likely to spread if untreated	Usually grows more slowly
Frequently linked to cumulative sun damage	Also caused by UV exposure
Common on face, ears, scalp and hands	Common on sun-exposed areas

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma, often called SCC, is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that develops in the squamous cells found in the outer layers of the skin.

This form of skin cancer commonly develops on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, including:

• Face
• Ears
• Neck
• Scalp
• Hands
• Arms

Although sun exposure is a major cause, squamous cell carcinoma can also develop in scars, chronic wounds or areas of long-term skin inflammation.

Patients with a history of excessive ultraviolet exposure or frequent sunburns may face higher long-term risk.

What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms can vary, but several warning signs are common.

Patients may notice:

• Rough or scaly red patches
• Firm raised bumps
• Crusty lesions
• Open sores that do not heal
• Growths that bleed easily
• Wart-like lesions

Some SCC lesions may become tender, painful or develop a crusted surface over time.

Because squamous cell carcinoma can sometimes resemble eczema, warts or non-healing pimples, professional evaluation is important if a lesion persists for several weeks.

Patients noticing suspicious growths or persistent skin changes should schedule a professional skin cancer screening for evaluation.

What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

The most common cause of squamous cell carcinoma is cumulative ultraviolet damage from the sun or tanning beds.

Over time, repeated UV exposure damages skin cells and increases the likelihood of cancerous changes developing.

Additional risk factors include:

• Fair skin
• Frequent sunburns
• Older age
• Outdoor occupations
• Weakened immune system
• History of skin cancer
• Chronic skin inflammation
• Smoking

Patients with significant sun damage may also develop precancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses.

Professional actinic keratosis treatments may help treat sun-damaged areas before they progress further.

Patients experiencing visible UV damage may also benefit from laser treatments for sun damage to improve skin texture and discoloration caused by cumulative sun exposure.

Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Dangerous?

Most squamous cell carcinomas are highly treatable when detected early. However, untreated SCC can continue growing deeper into the skin and occasionally spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

This is why early diagnosis matters.

Patients should never ignore:

• Non-healing sores
• Rapidly growing bumps
• Bleeding lesions
• Scaly patches that continue worsening

Even lesions that appear minor may require evaluation.

How Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosed?

Dermatologists diagnose squamous cell carcinoma through a skin examination and biopsy.

During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Patients may feel anxious about biopsies, but skin biopsies are quick and are one of the most important tools for early skin cancer detection.

Patients already receiving routine skin cancer care may be more likely to detect suspicious lesions before they become advanced.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options

Squamous cell carcinoma treatment depends on the size, depth and location of the cancer.

Common treatment options include:

Surgical Removal

Many SCC lesions are treated by surgically removing the cancerous tissue.

Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is often recommended for SCC located on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face because it removes cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Cryotherapy

Very early lesions or precancerous spots may sometimes be treated with freezing techniques.

Topical Medications

Some superficial SCC lesions may respond to prescription topical treatments.

Photodynamic Therapy

Certain sun-damaged lesions may benefit from photodynamic therapy designed to target abnormal skin

Concerned About a Suspicious Skin Lesion?

If you’ve noticed a rough patch, non-healing sore or suspicious skin growth, early evaluation matters. The dermatologists and dermatology providers at Schweiger Dermatology Group offer skin cancer screenings and treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma, helping patients address concerning lesions before they progress further.

Call 844-DERM-DOC or book online today to schedule an appointment.