There's no single answer for how long someone lives with Stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) skin cancer, as it varies greatly, but survival rates drop significantly once it spreads (metastasis), with studies showing median overall survival around 2 years and 5-year survival rates potentially less than 50%, though individual factors like age, tumor characteristics, and treatment response heavily influence prognosis.
Squamous cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes (spreads to other areas of the body), and when spreading does occur, it typically happens slowly. Indeed, most squamous cell carcinoma cases are diagnosed before the cancer has progressed beyond the upper layer of skin.
At Stage 4, which is the most advanced stage, squamous cell carcinoma has spread to at least one distant organ (for example, the brain, the lungs or another area of the skin).
Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, earache, or voice changes. A lump in the throat, mouth, or neck. Numbness, tingling, or itching on the lips, mouth, or genitals. Growths or tumors on or near the genitals.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is usually not life-threatening. But if it's not treated, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin can grow large or spread to other parts of the body. The growth of the cancer can cause serious complications.
Squamous cell carcinomas appear as red scaly patches, scaly bumps, or open sores. Left alone, they become larger and destroy tissue on the skin. They can also spread to other areas of the body.
Treatment overview
In July 2021, the FDA expanded this approval to include SCC that is locally advanced and not curable by radiation or surgery. In 2024, the FDA approved cosibelimab-ipdl (UnloxcytTM) for adults with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma that is not curable with surgery or radiation.
Metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary is a disease in which squamous cell cancer spreads to lymph nodes in the neck and it is not known where the cancer first formed in the body. Signs and symptoms of metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary include a lump or pain in the neck or throat.
Approximately 50% of untreated head and neck cancer patients will die within 4 months of their diagnosis. However, the remaining patients can survive up to 4 or more years, depending on their tumour location, extent, performance status and level of supportive care.
It's important not to delay treatment for too long, since this can make the cancer more difficult to cure. Waiting to treat squamous cell skin cancer also increases the risk of hurting your appearance and leading to difficulties with using that part of the body normally if a lot of surgery or other treatment is needed.
Stage 4: End-of-life care begins
Stage 4 is when end-of-life care begins. The focus shifts to making you as comfortable as possible in the final phase of life, while also offering emotional and spiritual support for you and your loved ones.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer in the United States, after basal cell carcinoma, with about 700,000 diagnosed each year. It accounts for about 2,500 deaths.
Stage 4 is the most severe stage of cancer, with the highest risk of mortality. However, many factors affect stage 4 cancer survival rates, including the type of cancer. This article describes what stage 4 cancer is and the survival rates for people with different types of cancer at this stage.
One of the first red flags of metastasized breast cancer is persistent pain or discomfort. This pain can manifest in various parts of the body, including the bones, back, or chest. It's essential to differentiate between normal aches and pains and those that are persistent and unexplained.
Both basal and squamous cell skin cancers are relatively slow-growing, but the most important difference between squamous cell skin cancer versus basal cell skin cancer is that squamous cell skin cancer is more likely to spread to other organs. If it spreads, it can be life-threatening.
The "2-week wait dermatology" pathway, primarily in the UK's NHS, is a fast-track system for urgent referrals from a GP to a specialist for suspected skin cancer, aiming for an appointment within 14 days to ensure early diagnosis, especially for melanoma, often using high-quality images (teledermatology) for initial triage to see patients only when necessary, though waits can vary and other pathways exist for less urgent concerns like basal cell carcinoma.
It depends on how far it has advanced when it is first detected. More than 99% percent of people with squamous cell carcinoma that was detected early are still alive 5 years after they were first diagnosed. If SCC isn't found until it has already spread beyond the skin, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 50%.
In a small percentage of cases, squamous cell carcinoma can grow along the tiny nerves in the skin. In this very serious condition, the squamous cell carcinoma of the face or scalp can travel along the nerves and spread to the brain.
This SEER analysis found that immunotherapy improved the survival of Stage 4 NSCLC patients at the population level in the United States.
Signs and symptoms of squamous cell skin cancer
They can also develop in scars or skin sores elsewhere. These cancers can appear as: Rough or scaly red (or darker) patches, which might crust or bleed. Raised growths or lumps, sometimes with a lower area in the center.
High-risk features are depth of invasion (>2 mm), poor histological differentiation, high-risk anatomic location (face, ear, pre/post auricular, genitalia, hands, and feet), perineural involvement, recurrence, multiple cSCC tumors, and immunosuppression.
Some common options offered at Moffitt Cancer Center include: Mohs surgery – Offered in conjunction with the USF Department of Dermatology, Mohs surgery is generally regarded as the “gold standard” of treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, and is performed in stages during one office visit.
While you can't prevent all types of squamous cell carcinoma, you can take steps to reduce your risk by: Avoiding excessive sun exposure. Avoid using tanning beds. Using sunscreen when you're outdoors.
A high-risk SCC is considered when the diameter of the tumor is larger than 2 cm as tumors of this size double the risk of SCC recurrence and triple the rate of metastasis compared to the smaller lesion. Therefore, a larger margin for excision is required on the high-risk SCC.