Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This lesion usually appears on skin that shows other significant changes of chronic sun exposure. Especially prevalent in fair-skinned people who sunburn easily and tan poorly. It may arise out of actinic keratoses. Squamous Cell Carcinoma may occur on all areas of the body including the mucous membranes, but are most common in areas exposed to the sun. Characteristically, the lesion appears fairly rapidly as a small red, conical, hard nodule. Should it appear on the mucus membrane or lip area, it behaves much more aggressively and can be fatal.

Warning Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A wart-like growth that crusts and occasionally bleeds.
A persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that sometimes crusts or bleeds
An open sore that bleeds and crusts and persists for weeks.
An elevated growth with a central depression that occasionally bleeds. A growth of this type may rapidly increase in size
A persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that sometimes crusts or bleeds
An open sore that bleeds and crusts and persists for weeks

Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Histologic examination is required. There are several effective ways to eradicate SCC. The choice of treatment is based on the type, size, location, and depth of penetration of the tumor, as well as the patient's age and general state of health.