Squamous Cell Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer and more than 200,000 Americans each year are newly diagnosed.  Squamous cell cancers may occur on all areas of the body but are most commonly found on sun exposed areas.  Chronic exposure to sunlight causes most cases of squamous cell cancer.  Areas of the body typically afflicted are the face, neck, bald scalp, hands, shoulders, arms and back.  The rim of the ear and the lower lip are commonly affected areas.  A small percentage of cases metastasize (spread) to distant organs.  If this happens it can be fatal.

People most commonly affected with squamous cell carcinoma are those with a history of significant sun exposure.  Individuals who have fair skin, light hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are at most risk.  Dark-skinned people of African decent are significantly less likely to develop skin cancer.

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Four Warning signs of Squamous Cell Cancer include:

  1. A wart like growth that crusts and occasionally bleeds.

  2. A persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that sometimes crusts or bleeds.

  3. An open sore that bleeds and crusts that persists for weeks.

  4. An elevated growth with a central depression that occasionally bleeds.

If you notice the development of a skin growth, open sore or lesion that fails to heal, or a change in a preexisting skin growth, contact a qualified healthcare professional immediately.  With an early diagnosis, often, all that is needed is a simple surgical procedure to obtain a cure.