Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is cancer found in the layer of skin just below the outer-most surface. SCC can occur on various areas of the skin, but it is more often found on sun-exposed areas such as the face. This is a fairly common form of skin cancer, with Basal Cell Carcinoma being more common.

Cancerous squamous cells are abnormal, dividing rapidly and uncontrollably, unlike normal squamous cells. In the early stages of SCC, the skin may appear reddish, scaly, or crusted. The earliest stage of SCC is called in-situ, meaning that cancerous cells are entirely contained within the epidermis and have not reached the dermis. At this early stage, the area may go unnoticed because the area is small and is not drastically different from the surrounding skin. When SCC progresses it can appear as a bleeding ulcer on the skin and is often painful.

When suspicious areas are found, they will need to be biopsied to determine if cancer is present. The tissue samples are viewed under a microscope. If cancerous cells are found additional testing may be warranted. Subsequent biopsies and/or testing of lymph nodes may be needed to determine if cancerous cells have reached deeper layers of the skin, and may have reached the lymph nodes and beyond.

Various treatments are available for removal of cancerous tissues. The areas may be removed surgically, or destroyed with laser treatments. It is important to removal all cancer cells, therefore radiation and/or chemotherapy may also be a part of the treatment plan. SCC has a high cure rate if found early, but as with other forms of cancer the prognosis is much less positive as cancer becomes more invasive. The best protection against SCC is the use of sun protection and routine screenings of the skin.