Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer in the U.S., impacting more than one million people annually. While treatable, SCC can become serious if left undiagnosed.
“Early recognition of squamous cell carcinoma is crucial for successful treatment,” explains Dr. Lisa Iucci, a board-certified general surgeon at The Premier Surgical Network. “When caught early, SCC has a cure rate of over 95%.”
At The Premier Surgical Network, we’re committed to helping patients catch and treat skin cancers as early as possible—with compassion, clarity, and expert care.
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the flat, thin cells called squamous cells, which form the outer layer of your skin (epidermis). These cancerous growths develop when DNA damage triggers abnormal changes in these cells, causing them to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.
SCC commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of hands, though it can develop anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth, on the genitals, or on scars or chronic wounds. Unlike basal cell carcinoma (which tends to remain localized), squamous cell carcinoma has a higher risk of spreading to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, and other body parts if not treated promptly.
How Is It Different from Other Skin Cancers?
Unlike basal cell carcinoma, which rarely spreads, SCC has a higher risk of spreading to nearby lymph nodes and organs if left untreated. That’s why prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Key Causes and Risk Factors
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the primary cause of squamous cell carcinoma. Years of cumulative sun exposure gradually damage the DNA in skin cells, eventually leading to cancerous growth. This explains why SCC often develops on parts of the body that receive the most sun exposure.
Even if you’ve been careful with sun protection, past exposure may still put you at risk. That’s why routine skin checks remain important, especially if you have one or more of the following risk factors.
Other significant risk factors include:
- Fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes
- Living in sunny climates or high altitudes
- History of sunburns, especially blistering sunburns
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- Weakened immune system due to medication or medical conditions
- Exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic
- Smoking (increases risk for lip SCC)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Chronic skin inflammation or injury, such as long-standing sores
People with a history of actinic keratosis (rough, scaly patches considered precancerous) are also at increased risk, as these lesions can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
Identifying Symptoms of SCC
SCC doesn’t always look the same—here’s what to watch for:
- Firm, red or scaly skin patches
- Sores that don’t heal—or heal and return
- Growths with central depressions or crusting
- Wart-like lesions with irregular borders
- Spots that itch, bleed, or hurt when touched
It's important to note that SCC can look different from person to person. Any new, changing, or unusual skin growth warrants prompt medical attention. Visual recognition is particularly critical because early-stage SCC is highly treatable and rarely leaves significant scarring when addressed promptly.
Dr. Iucci’s advice: “If something doesn’t look right or isn’t healing—don’t wait. Have it checked.”
Treatment Options Available
Treatment for SCC isn’t one-size-fits-all. At The Premier Surgical Network, we design treatment plans around your individual needs—factoring in tumor size, location, and your overall health.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is often the recommended approach for removing SCC when referred for specialty care—particularly if the lesion is complex, large, or in a sensitive area. We recommend:
- Excisional Surgery: The tumor is cut out along with a small margin of healthy tissue to help ensure all the cancer is removed.
Nonsurgical Treatments
For patients who can’t undergo surgery or when the tumor is less aggressive, other therapies may be considered:
- Cryotherapy: Freezes cancer cells using liquid nitrogen, causing them to die off.
- Radiation Therapy: Targets and kills cancer cells with focused X-rays—often a good choice for patients who are not surgical candidates.
- Topical Medications: Prescription creams with immune-boosting or chemotherapy agents may be used for surface-level SCC.
- Photodynamic Therapy: A special light-sensitive drug is applied to the skin, then activated with light to destroy cancer cells.
"For advanced cases of squamous cell carcinoma that have spread to lymph nodes or other organs, we now have innovative systemic treatments available," Dr. Iucci explains. "These include targeted therapy and immunotherapy options that have shown promising results in clinical trials for patients with metastatic disease."
Advanced treatments for high-risk or metastatic SCC include:
- Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab or cemiplimab
- Targeted therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors
- Chemotherapy for widespread disease
- Combination approaches tailored to individual cases
Taking Control of Your Skin Health
Prevention remains the best approach to skin cancer management. Protect yourself by:
- Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, even on cloudy days
- Wearing protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
- Seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps
- Checking your skin regularly for new or changing growths
Because SCC can spread if left untreated, early diagnosis is key to achieving the best outcome. Regular skin self-examinations and annual professional skin checks are vital components of early detection.
Next Steps: When Surgical Treatment Is the Right Choice
While many cases of squamous cell carcinoma can be managed by a dermatologist, some may require surgical care—particularly when the lesion is large, located in a cosmetically sensitive area, or has a higher risk of recurrence or spread.
The Premier Surgical Network provides specialized surgical treatment for complex or advanced skin cancer cases. Our team of skin cancer surgeons collaborates closely with referring dermatologists and primary care providers to ensure patients receive timely, precise care tailored to their needs.
If your provider has recommended surgical removal, schedule your consultation with us. We’re here to guide you through your next steps.
