Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It occurs in the squamous cells, located in the top part of the top layer of skin (the epidermis). Prevention and early detection can significantly improve outcomes for SCC. Our dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology can help you protect your skin, identify suspicious changes, and recommend appropriate treatment if SCC is detected.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors
SCC is typically caused by long-term, cumulative exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays. You are exposed to UV radiation from sunlight and from other things like indoor tanning beds or exposure to chemicals.
Anything that increases UV exposure can be an SCC risk factor, including:
- Fair skin and/or freckles
- Frequent sunburns
- Frequent tanning (either outside or in a tanning bed)
- Family history of skin cancer
Outside of UV radiation, there are a few other squamous cell carcinoma risk factors such as:
- Older age
- Weakened immune system
- Exposure to chemicals
- HPV infection
- Chronic skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis
How to Prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The good news is that preventing SCC is as simple as limiting UV exposure. This means no tanning, liberal use of SPF sunscreens, staying in the shade, and wearing protective clothing. It’s also important to regularly examine your skin for any new or changing patches, as this could indicate early SCC or another type of skin disorder.
What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like the following:
- Firm, red bump
- Rough, scaly patch that may crust or bleed
- Open sore
- Thick plaques or bumps
- A wound that does not heal
SCC can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly occurs in areas that are heavily exposed to UV rays, including the lower lip, scalp, back of the hands, arms, legs, and ears.
Basal Cell Carcinoma vs. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. Similar to SCC, it is typically caused by prolonged UV exposure. The most notable difference is in their appearance – while SCC typically presents as a dry, scaly patch, BCC looks more like a small bump with a waxy shine.
Characteristics of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Prevalence: Most common skin cancer
- Appearance: Raised bump with a shiny or pearly look
- Typical cause: Prolonged UV exposure
- Origin: Lower layer of epidermis
- Speed: Grows slowly
- Spread: Almost never spreads
Characteristics of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Prevalence: Second most common skin cancer
- Appearance: Rough, dry, scaly, crusty surface or firm red bump
- Typical cause: Prolonged UV exposure
- Origin: Top layer of the epidermis
- Speed: Grows quickly
- Spread: Likely to spread
Please note that although BCC is more common, SCC is more likely to spread quickly to other parts of the body, making it that much more essential to prevent and identify early on.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment on the North Shore
If your provider determines that you have one or more squamous cell carcinoma spots that need to be treated, there are several options they may recommend.
These treatments include:
- Mohs Surgery – Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the most precise technique for removing cancerous tissue and preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
- Radiation Therapy – A non-surgical alternative that uses X-rays or electron beams to destroy the cancerous cells.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – Uses laser energy to target both the SCC areas and smaller spots that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, making it an especially effective prevention technique.
- Cryosurgery – A relatively quick, in-office procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to destroy cancer cells.
- Topical Medications – There are a variety of topical medications that can target and destroy pre-cancerous cells, increase the body’s immune system response, and reduce inflammation.
- Immunotherapy – These are typically given intravenously and work to boost the body’s immune response to cancer cells.
Your Dermatologist for Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Detecting SCC early can greatly improve the prognosis. If you suspect you may be developing a squamous cell carcinoma, or just have a mole that looks unusual, please contact Advanced Dermatology for an appointment. We have North Shore offices in both Lincolnshire and Glencoe, and our expert providers can evaluate concerning skin changes and help you stay on top of regular skin cancer screenings.
Pictures of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
It can be hard to identify squamous cell carcinoma from descriptions alone. Below is a picture of what SCC may look like on the face.
