Dermatological Surgery - Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the 2nd most common skin cancer and is caused from over exposure to sunlight and tanning beds. SCC develops from actinic keratoses and may appear  as rough, crusted or scaling growths over a red, inflamed base. SCCs may also bleed or present as flat white patches on the lips or inside the mouth.

Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinomas often appear as open sores that ooze, bleed and do not heal. While the most common location for SCCs are the sun exposed areas of the body they may be found anywhere.  Squamous cell carcinomas grow slowly, and like basal cell carcinoma, can invade fat, muscle, cartilage and bone if left untreated. 
Although SCC rarely metastasizes it can occur and is responsible for approximately 2,500 deaths in the United States each year. Treatment depends on the location, size, type of SCC, and clinical features.