squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinomas can be only a few millimeters across to tumours many centimeters in size, with either a slow growth pattern or very rapidly enlarging over a matter of weeks. They are often crusty, red and can be tender. SCC involving the lip can be very serious with spread to local lymph nodes, although the majority of SCC’s involving other skin sites are usually less aggressive with spread (metastasis) being quite uncommon. While very early SCC’s can trial non-surgical treatments, most will require surgical treatment. It is common for a patient with one skin cancer to develop others, usually because of a history of high sun exposure to all sun-exposed skin.
Surgery can range from being very minor, requiring only a few stitches, to more involved and complex reconstructions utilising skin grafts or movements of skin flaps. While the primary focus is on complete removal of the tumour, a reconstruction with the least cosmetic impact is always planned.
SCC FACTS
- 20% of skin cancers
- Male: Female 2:1
- Sun exposed areas
- 250% more common in organ transplant patients
- Can be smoking related (appear on lips)
