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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Dec 2023
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What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is a kind of skin cancer. It starts in the outermost layer of your skin (epidermis).

What causes squamous cell carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma is often caused by sun exposure. Skin that has been damaged or injured is more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma.

What are the symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma?

At first, a growth on your skin that is:

  • Thick, red, and scaly

  • Irregular in shape

  • Crusty

This growth doesn't heal or go away.

Examples of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

If not treated, the growth can become:

  • Raised, firm, and wart-like

  • An open sore and grow into the tissue underneath it

How can doctors tell if I have squamous cell carcinoma?

Doctors will do a biopsy (cut out a small sample of your skin to look at under a microscope).

How do doctors treat squamous cell carcinoma?

How can I prevent squamous cell carcinoma?

The best way to prevent squamous cell carcinoma is to limit sun exposure:

  • Stay out of the sun—sit in the shade, try to avoid the sun between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm

  • Don't sunbathe or use tanning beds

  • Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats with broad brims

  • Use sunscreen that’s at least 30 sun protection factor (SPF)—it's important to use more sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating

See a doctor if you see a change in a skin growth that doesn't go away after a few weeks.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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