An older, fair-skinned patient with much sun damage developed this new growth over 3 weeks on the trunk.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer and arises from the squamous cells of the epidermis.

• Chronic sunlight exposure is the main risk factor.
• Other risk factors include light skin, male gender and age > 65.
• A rapidly growing nodule that develops a central keratotic core in the sun-exposed area of an adult is classic. However, an SCC can come in many shapes and sizes, e.g., red papule or plaque, ulcer, crusted area, subungual growth, cutaneous horn.
  
• SCC are cancers! If left untreated, they can metastasize (and be fatal).

Squmaous cell carcinoma on the ear. A red, white and/or crusted growing nodule is typical.

Squamous cell carcinoma.

Squmaous cell carcinoma on the forehead.

Squamous cell carcinoma. A growing tumor on the arm.

Keratoacanthoma. A subtype of squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma presenting as a chronic ulcer.

Squamous cell carcinoma on the thumb (a less common location and perhaps HPV-induced).

A cutaneous horn with an underlying squamous cell carcinoma.

RegionalDerm

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