How Dangerous Is a Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Have you noticed a rough, scaly patch of skin that just doesn’t seem to heal? Or maybe you’ve come across a sore that keeps coming back in the same spot? 

If so, you might be dealing with more than just a pesky skin irritation. It could be squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This common type of skin cancer is often treatable, but it can be dangerous if not addressed promptly.

At Manhattan Dermatology with offices in New York City, our board-certified dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions, including squamous cell carcinoma. 

We’re committed to providing you with the highest standard of care, including providing education about what SCC is, how it differs from other skin cancers, and why it's important to seek treatment if you suspect you might have it. 

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the squamous cells, which make up the outermost layer of your skin. It’s the second most common form of skin cancer, following basal cell carcinoma. 

SCC can develop on any part of the body but is most frequently found on areas exposed to the sun, such as your face, neck, ears, and hands. 

Understanding the symptoms and risk factors of SCC is crucial for early detection and treatment, which significantly improves the chances of a positive outcome.

Here’s what you should know about this cancer:

Characteristics of SCC

Squamous cell carcinoma often appears as a red, scaly patch, an open sore, or a raised growth with a central depression. These lesions might crust over, bleed, or become painful.

Risk factors for SCC

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, a history of sunburns, a weakened immune system, and certain genetic conditions can increase your risk of developing SCC.

Is squamous cell carcinoma dangerous to my health?

While squamous cell carcinoma is generally considered less aggressive than melanoma, it can still pose serious health risks if left untreated. Here’s why SCC can be dangerous:

Potential for growth and spread

SCC can grow rapidly and invade deeper layers of your skin and nearby tissues. In some cases, it can spread to other parts of your body, including the lymph nodes, bones, and organs.

Increased risk with delay

The longer SCC remains untreated, the higher your risk of it becoming more difficult to treat. Advanced SCC can mean more extensive treatments and might lead to significant scarring or disfigurement.

Higher mortality in severe cases

Although rare, untreated SCC can lead to life-threatening complications, especially if it spreads to your vital organs.

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing these complications and ensuring that the cancer is managed effectively.

How is SCC diagnosed?

Diagnosing SCC typically involves a combination of physical examination and biopsy. Here’s what you can expect during the diagnostic process:

Physical examination

We closely examine your skin for any suspicious lesions, looking for characteristics typical of SCC.

Biopsy

If we find a suspicious lesion, we perform a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of the affected tissue, which we send to a lab for analysis to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Early diagnosis not only helps in effectively treating SCC but also in preventing the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. 

How are SCC lesions treated?

The choice of treatment for SCC depends on different factors, including the size, location, and depth of the tumor, as well as your overall health. 

Consulting with a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition, improving your chances of a full recovery.

We may remove smaller spots of SCC with cryotherapy or use topical treatments, like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod cream, but in most cases, we recommend surgical removal. 

Various surgical techniques are available, including excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, and curettage and electrodessication. These procedures aim to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Mohs surgery is often preferred to simple surgical removal, as it minimizes scarring while making sure all tissue is clear of cancer. The procedure takes place in stages, with your provider removing tissue in layers and checking for traces of cancer cells.

Once your tissues are clear, we close the incision, and you’re free to return home. You come back to have any sutures removed a few days after the initial surgery. This treatment offers an extremely high rate of success. 

If you suspect you may have squamous cell carcinoma or any other skin condition, don’t wait to schedule an appointment online or over the phone at one of our offices in Murray Hill or Midtown East in Manhattan.