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Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What it Looks Like
Squamous cell carcinoma
accounts for approximately 16% of all new skin cancer cases in the
United States.
Where Occurs
It is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as
the face, ears, neck, arms, scalp, and hands. However, it may occur
anywhere — even inside of the mouth, on a lip, or on genitals.
Warning Signs
Signs of squamous cell carcinoma include:
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Crusted or scaly area on the skin with
a red, inflamed base
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Persistent, non-healing, ulcerated
(skin not covering) bump or thickened skin on the lower lip
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Wart-like growth or plaque
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Sore that does not heal
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Red, scaly patches or bumps
The tumors can reach ¾ to 1 inch in
size and develop into large masses. Since squamous cell carcinoma
has the potential to metastasize (spread), this form of skin cancer
can be lethal if not treated. In aggressive cases, the tumor can
spread to the lymph nodes or internal organs. This is especially
true when a tumor begins on a lip or ear, or the patient has a
weakened immune system. Conditions that weaken the immune system
include an organ transplant, lymphoma, and human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV).
Diagnosed Cases of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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This tumor developed rapidly over a six-month
period on the patient’s scalp.
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This tumor appeared as a persistent,
non-healing lesion on the patient’s lower lip.
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This diagnosed case appeared on the face of an
elderly man who had many years of sun exposure.
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The patient said that this lesion, which
appears as a well-defined plaque, had been slowly growing
for
years.
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Advanced squamous cell carcinoma on the hands
and forearms of an elderly patient.
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(Photos used with permission of the
American Academy of Dermatology
National Library of Dermatologic
Teaching Slides)
Contact a Dermatologist
Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can take many
forms. If you spot a lesion that resembles any of the warning signs
described above, see a dermatologist immediately. With early
treatment by a dermatologist, the cure rate for squamous cell
carcinoma is 95%. Left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can
destroy much of the tissue surrounding the tumor, resulting in loss
of a lip, nose, or ear. In some cases, it can spread to lymph nodes
and other organs. Once it spreads, squamous cell carcinoma can be
deadly.
Squamous cell carcinoma can progress from actinic keratoses, lesions
caused by years of exposure to the sun. If you spot scaling pink
plaques, inflamed plaques, or hard fibrous horn-like growths on your
skin, it could be actinic keratoses. It is important to have actinic
keratoses treated by a dermatologist.
For more information about actinic keratoses, see
ActinicKeratosesNet.
An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of
Dermatology. |
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Left untreated,
squamous cell carcinoma may develop into large masses
and can spread to the body’s other organs.
American Academy
of Dermatology |
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