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).

Treatment, Brief Overview

Anyone with a SCC or a lesion suspicious for a SCC should see their dermatologist as soon as possible. Small SCCs are sometimes treated with curretage and electrodesication ("scraped and burned") but most are surgically excised. Radiation therapy is sometimes employed.

Prevention

• Apply daily morning sunscreen, SPF 30 or more---every day!!!
• Wear hats, avoid mid-day sun, seek shade, etc.
• Your dermatologist may recommend a short course of 5-FU alone or 5-FU along with calcipotriene to prevent SCCs, especially if you have multiple actinic keratoses.
• Any person with a history of SCC should see their dermatologist regularly.

Additional Pictures

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).

RegionalDerm

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