Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever noticed a stubborn sore or scaly patch on your skin that won’t heal, it could be more than just a rash. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, and it often starts in places that get a lot of sun. The good news? Catching it early makes treatment much easier.
How SCC Shows Up
SCC usually appears as a rough, red bump or a flat lesion with crusty edges. It can look like a wart, an ulcer that keeps bleeding, or even a shiny pink spot. The key is to watch any growth that changes size, shape, or color after a few weeks. If you have a sore that isn’t healing within three weeks, it’s worth getting checked.
Why Sun and Other Factors Matter
The biggest risk factor is UV exposure—think beach days, tanning beds, or even everyday driving without sunscreen. Fair skin, a history of burns, and older age add to the risk. Certain chemicals (like arsenic) and weakened immune systems can also boost the chances of developing SCC.
When you’re out in the sun, a broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing are your first line of defense. Reapplying every two hours and after swimming or sweating helps keep those UV rays at bay.
Diagnosis is straightforward: a dermatologist will usually do a skin scraping (a shave biopsy) to confirm if the cells look cancerous under a microscope. If it’s caught early, most SCCs can be removed in a simple office procedure.
Treatment Options
Small lesions often go away with surgical excision—basically cutting out the tumor and stitching the skin back together. For larger or deeper cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard because it removes as much tissue as needed while sparing healthy skin.
If surgery isn’t an option, radiation therapy or topical creams like 5‑fluorouracil can be effective. Advanced cases might need targeted drugs that focus on specific genetic changes in the tumor.
After treatment, regular check‑ups are crucial. People who’ve had one SCC have a higher chance of getting another, so keep an eye on new spots and stick to your dermatologist’s follow‑up schedule.
Quick Prevention Checklist
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even when it’s cloudy.
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and UPF clothing outdoors.
- Avoid peak sun hours (10 am‑4 pm) if possible.
- Check your skin once a month for new or changing lesions.
- See a dermatologist yearly—or sooner if something looks off.
Knowing the signs and taking simple steps to protect your skin can keep cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma at bay. Stay proactive, stay protected, and don’t ignore anything that seems unusual on your skin.