Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or SCC that starts in the skin, is one of the most common types of skin cancer. SCC is most common on sun-exposed parts of the body, like the face, ears, neck, scalp, forearms and hands, but it can occur anywhere. Like most skin cancers, it is highly treatable in most patients when detected early.
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation like sunlight is the most important risk factor. Additional risk factors for SCC include:
- Use of tanningbeds
- Fair skin anda tendency to burn easily
- A history ofprevious skin cancers or precancerous lesions
- Olderage
- A compromised immunesystem
- Certain chronic wounds, scars, or areas of previously damagedskin
- Exposure to certainchemicals or radiation
A small proportion of SCC can behave aggressively and can spread to other parts of the body like the lymph nodes. The SCC subtype, location, size, depth and the patient’s immune system all affect the prognosis.
Be on the lookout for a new or changing lesion that bleeds easily, does not seem to heal, hurts or itches.
- A rough, scaly area of skin
- A firm, pink or red nodule or bump
- A sore that does not heal or repeatedly heals and returns
- A wart-like growth
- A lesion that bleeds, becomes tender, or develops a crust
Treatment depends on the SCC subtype, location, size and extent of the cancer. Treatment options may include Mohs surgery, surgical excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, or prescription topical creams. Advanced or difficult-to-treat SCC may sometimes require treatments such as immunotherapy.
Not all squamous cell carcinomas are created equal, and a few characteristics of your particular tumor determine your cure rate after Mohs surgery:
- The degree of differentiation: squamous cell carcinomas that are poorly differentiated behave much more aggressively than well-differentiated tumors
- The size and depth of the skin cancer
- The presence of perineural invasion, meaning your skin cancer has invaded nearby nerves
- Tumors that are recurrent, meaning they have been treated previously, tend to behave more aggressively than “primary” tumors
- Metastasis to lymph nodes
You should contact your doctor if you have a new or changing skin lesion that:
- Bleeds easily
- Does not heal within several weeks
- Changes in size, shape, color
Confirmation of the diagnosis is typically through a skin biopsy.
Board-certified dermatologist and double board-certified Mohs surgeon Dr. Patricia Richey specializes in Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). She is widely regarded as one of the leading Mohs surgeons in Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Richey sees patients at her Chevy Chase office, serving individuals from Bethesda, Potomac, Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas.
At a Glance
Dr. Patricia Richey
- Board-certified dermatologist
- Fellowship-trained and board-certified Mohs surgeon
- Harvard fellowship-trained in lasers and cosmetics
- Author of innovative dermatology research and publications
- Learn more
