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What is squamous cell carcinoma (skin)?
23 January 2026
This is a relatively common skin cancer condition that affects the squamous cells in the dermis and epidermis.
While squamous cell carcinoma generally is not life-threatening, it is a highly aggressive type of cancer that, if not diagnosed and treated promptly, can spread to other areas of the body, leading to serious complications.
The main cause of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is engaging in prolonged tanning sessions, either by sun exposure or in tanning beds, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a cumulative effect on the skin.
This type of cancer begins when there is a genetic mutation in the squamous cells, causing the abnormal cells to multiply uncontrollably, accumulating and forming tumors.
A series of potential risks for developing squamous cell carcinoma have been identified, including:
- Having fair skin.
- Excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Using tanning beds.
- Having suffered severe sunburns.
- Actinic keratosis.
- Bowen’s disease.
- Depressed immune system due to medications or illnesses.
Signs and symptoms Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin)
The parts of the body where this type of cancer most frequently manifests are:
- Scalp.
- Hands.
- Ears.
- Lips.
- Feet.
- Mouth.
- Genitals.
The common characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma are:
- A rigid, reddish nodular formation.
- A non-raised sore topped with a scaly-looking crust.
- A new sore overlaying a previous one.
- A rough patch on the lip that tends to open up.
- A reddish, rough ulcer in the oral cavity.
- A wart, bump, or sore in the anal and genital areas.
Diagnosis and treatment Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin)
After the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and take a tissue sample to be analyzed in the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.
The treatment to follow will depend on the size, location, stage of advancement of the tumor, and whether it has metastasized, but it generally includes:
- Curettage and electrodessication.
- Laser therapy.
- Cryosurgery.
- Photodynamic therapy.
- Surgery.
- Radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
Our Cancer Center, since its inauguration in 2009, offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments on par with the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for the oncology patient.
Related centers and departments Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Skin)
Sources
- radiologyinfo.org
- cancer.org
- cancer.net
- cancer.gov
- medlineplus.gov
- msdmanuals.com
- mayoclinic.org
- medigraphic.com
- Castellanos MG, Arias TA, Niebla CR, et al. Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de los pacientes con carcinoma epidermoide. Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Juan Bruno Zayas. 16 de abril. 2018;57(270):254-259.
- Corrales-Reyes IE, Cruz-Sánchez V, Mejia, et al. Carcinoma epidermoide intraoral y factores de riesgo asociados: un estudio de casos y controles. Rev Cub Med Mil. 2021;50(3):.
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The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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