Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) usually appears on sun-exposed skin like the face, ears, neck, scalp, forearms, and hands, but can develop anywhere, including mucous membranes (lips, mouth) or genitals, and even on old scars or sores, often starting as a red, scaly patch or firm lump that doesn't heal.
Sun-exposed areas such as the lower lip and ears are most likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the skin. It starts in cells called squamous cells.
Definition. Squamous cell carcinoma of the nose is a type of skin cancer characterized by the abnormal growth of squamous cells in the nasal region. It typically presents as a non-healing sore, scaly patch, or growth on the nose and can potentially spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Squamous cell lung cancer, also called squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, accounts for about 30% of all lung cancers. It's a type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that typically is treated using one or more types of therapy—surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, or immunotherapy.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is another common skin cancer that can occur on the scalp. It often appears as a scaly patch, red bump, or open sore that may bleed easily. SCC can be more aggressive than BCC and has a higher chance of spreading if not treated promptly.
Mohs surgery is a specialized technique often used to treat skin cancers on the scalp. This precise procedure involves meticulously removing cancerous tissue layer-by-layer and examining each layer under a microscope until no cancer cells remain.
Location on the Body
Squamous cell carcinomas that develop on high-risk areas of the body tend to behave more aggressively. These areas include the ears, lips, nose, scalp, fingers, and genitals, as well as sites where the skin is already damaged by chronic inflammation, burns, or scars.
High-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) is associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), which is rising.
The most common cancers that spread to the lung are:
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.
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.
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.
This cancer is locally destructive. It can involve the sinuses, eyes, brain, and the roof of the mouth. It can extend deep into the cheek as well. In some cases, the lymph nodes of the neck can be involved or the cancer may spread further.
It's more common in people with lighter skin. In these people, it most often appears on parts of the body exposed to the sun. In people with darker skin, it appears more often on skin that isn't exposed to the sun and in areas where there are scars or ongoing skin problems. Skin cancer is usually treated with surgery.
Although squamous cell carcinomas usually grow slowly, it is important to see a dermatologist quickly. "The sooner you see your doctor and the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the less complicated the surgery to remove it will be, and the faster you will make a complete recovery,” Dr. Leffell explains.
How to Tell If Squamous Cell Carcinoma Has Spread
Possible symptoms of lung cancer are:
Lymph nodes are one of the most common places for cancer to spread. The liver, lungs, and bones are also common sites of metastasis. Certain types of cancer are more likely to spread to certain organs.
Lung cancer nodules or masses can develop anywhere in the lung, but doctors are more concerned when they're located in an upper lobe. Adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, often develops in the outer area of the lungs, called the periphery.
Schistosoma haematobium is a proven carcinogenic agent that causes mainly bladder squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer has characteristic epidemiological, clinical and histopathological features with poor prognosis as compared to other urinary bladder cancers not associated with this parasite.
Long-lasting infections with high-risk HPVs can cause cancer in parts of the body where HPV infects cells. HPV infects the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) that line the inner surfaces of these organs. Most HPV-related cancers are called squamous cell carcinomas.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ, also called Bowen disease, is the earliest form of squamous cell skin cancer. “In situ” means that the cells of these cancers are still only in the epidermis (the upper layer of the skin) and have not invaded deeper layers. Bowen disease appears as reddish patches.
Squamous cell carcinoma is considered more serious than basal cell carcinoma due to its higher propensity to spread. While it typically doesn't metastasize as quickly as some other types of cancer, if left untreated, it can invade surrounding tissues, leading to more severe consequences.
Squamous cells are found in the outer layer of skin and in the mucous membranes, which are the moist tissues that line body cavities such as the airways and intestines. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) develops in the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and throat.
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.