Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a form of skin cancer on the skin or mucous membranes. After basal cell carcinoma, a SCC is the most common form of skin cancer. The tumour rarely develops on normal-looking skin. Often, this skin tumour arises from other-looking areas such as sun damage, pigmentary shift, ultra-thin skin, wrinkles, red vessels or yellowish discolouration.

How dangerous is SCC?

Usually, the prognosis for SCC is positive. Usually, treatment is successful, with the skin spot able to be completely removed. There are usually no metastases, but it can spread to the lymph nodes, especially if localised on the ear or mucous membranes such as the lip or genitals.

What does a SCC look like?

Often, a SCC begins as a thickening in the skin with a hardened horny layer. It eventually grows into a sizeable hardening, lump or non-healing wound. The edges are often blurred and inflammation and bleeding often occur around this skin patch. SCCs often develop on parts of the body that have been in the sun a lot, but also occur on mucous membranes. This form of skin cancer is usually recognised on the clinical picture and diagnosed through a biopsy (pathological examination of a piece of skin).

What is a preliminary stage of SCC?

• Bowen's disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ): It looks like a scaly, rough and red patch on the skin. Grows slowly and sometimes with scabs. Sometimes confused with eczema or psoriasis. The malignant skin cells are still in the top layer of the skin.
• Actinic keratosis: Skin-coloured to reddish-brown elevations with rough crusty surface. The crust is often yellow or white in colour. Sometimes a distressing or itching sensation.

Risk factors for SCC

Risk factors include excessive exposure to UV light from the sun or sunbed. Other risk factors also include a lowered immune system, heredity, history of actinic keratosis or skin cancer, smoking, light skin types and treatments such as PUVA light therapy (for psoriasis), radiotherapy and certain medications.

What are the treatments for SCC?

Usually, this type of skin cancer is surgically removed under local anaesthesia. Sometimes radiotherapy is also used.

Sample photo of SCC