Skin Cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Overview

Name

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Type

Skin Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, with more than one million cases diagnosed yearly. Along with BCC, it is classified as a non-melanoma skin cancer. Squamous cells are the primary cell type in the upper layer of skin (epidermis), and the DNA in these cells can be damaged by exposure to UV light. Chronic sun exposure and the presence of sun-damaged skin are risk factors which increase the chance of developing SCC. Exposure to indoor tanning devices are also implicated, with up to 160,00 cases yearly linked to use of these devices. SCCs tend to develop on sun exposed areas of the skin, including the face, neck, scalp (especially on balding individuals), ears, hands, arms, and legs.

 

SCC tumors may look like scaly, reddish patches with areas of scabbing or oozing.  They can also be raised, wart-like growths that similarly tend to bleed or scab. Over time, SCCs can continue to grow, and may develop into large ulcerating, weeping tumors, resulting in disfigurement of the affected area. SCCs are treatable, especially if caught early, but have a tendency to be more aggressive than BCCs. SCC may spread to other tissues or organs, but this is uncommon.

 

Because squamous cells are found in the tissue that lines the mouth, respiratory and digestive organs, and hollow organs (such as the bladder), SCCs can develop on “wet” (mucosal) surfaces, including the mouth, tongue and lips, oral cavity, genitalia and anus, and internal organs. The causes of SCCs that develop in these areas are generally not related to UV exposure, and in many cases, are associated with tobacco use.

 

All photographs and diagrams are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to be used for diagnosis.  A dermatologist should be consulted for examination and diagnosis of skin lesions.

Images

A diagram of the skin epidermis. The blue arrow on the left points to the thick layer of squamous cells in the epidermis. When squamous cells become cancerous, they give rise to a squamous cell carcinoma.
A diagram of the skin epidermis. The blue arrow on the left points to the thick layer of squamous cells in the epidermis. When squamous cells become cancerous, they give rise to a squamous cell carcinoma.
An SCC on the back of the hand. The blue circle outlines the approximate margins that the surgeon will use to excise (cut out) the cancer. Because of the size of this SCC, it is likely that more skin will need to be excised to ensure that all the cancer cells have been removed.
An SCC on the back of the hand. The blue circle outlines the approximate margins that the surgeon will use to excise (cut out) the cancer. Because of the size of this SCC, it is likely that more skin will need to be excised to ensure that all the cancer cells have been removed.
There is often scabbing and/or bleeding on the surface of SCCs. This lesion developed at the tip of the nose, a common area for skin cancer. (Photo courtesy of the National Cancer Institute; nci-vol-2165-72)
There is often scabbing and/or bleeding on the surface of SCCs. This lesion developed at the tip of the nose, a common area for skin cancer. (Photo courtesy of the National Cancer Institute; nci-vol-2165-72)
A raised SCC on the upper check which has crusting (scab) and bleeding on the surface.
A raised SCC on the upper check which has crusting (scab) and bleeding on the surface.
Near the rim of the ear, this SCC is scabbed and oozing honey-colored fluid.
Near the rim of the ear, this SCC is scabbed and oozing honey-colored fluid.
A relatively large SCC which most likely developed from a small actinic keratosis (precancer).
A relatively large SCC which most likely developed from a small actinic keratosis (precancer).
An SCC on the back of the leg. This lesion has a thick crust (scab), scaling, and underling redness that extends deep into the skin.
An SCC on the back of the leg. This lesion has a thick crust (scab), scaling, and underling redness that extends deep into the skin.
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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

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Actinic Keratosis / Solar Keratosis