Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma accounts for about 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers and begins in the upper layer of the epidermis, usually appearing where the skin has had most exposure to the sun (head, neck, hands, forearms and lower legs but can appear anywhere, including the genitals).
More information
Squamous Cell Carcinoma generally grows quickly over weeks or months, which is why they are considered potentially more dangerous than BCC. When detected early, squamous cell carcinoma is easily treatable. Regular skin cancer screenings are important for early detection of this and other types of skin cancer.
About 2 out of 10 skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). If you suspect you have this form of cancer, Dr Aslam offers highly effective Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery removes squamous cell carcinoma whilst sparing healthy surrounding skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a common skin cancer. Because it appears on your skin's surface, it’s possible to detect it early when it’s highly treatable. Most skin cancers start in the epidermis, the top layer of skin. Squamous cells are flat cells found in this top layer. Your skin sheds these flat cells as new cells grow. When these cells grow uncontrollably, they may become a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma can cause reddish, scaly, and sometimes crusted patches on your skin. These patches are early signs of skin cancer. These growths usually appear where your skin has been exposed to the sun, such as your: face, lips, ears and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma also forms on the back of your hands.
Signs and symptoms
If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can be potentially fatal.
It is important to see your dermatologist whenever you notice a change in a mole or area of your skin. Squamous cell carcinoma symptoms include these points.
If you have a sore or scab for more than two months without healing, or a flat patch of scaly skin that won’t go away, make an appointment to see Dr Aslam. Squamous cell carcinoma is a highly treatable form of cancer, especially when detected early. The most effective treatment for SCC is usually surgery.
A sore that won’t heal, or that heals and then regrows
An elevated growth on the skin that feels rough
A reddish, scaly patch that grows slowly
Skin cancer specialist
Dr Aslam is a skin cancer specialists and can identify squamous cell carcinoma by carefully examining your skin for signs of skin cancer.
If you have a skin lesion that is suspicious for squamous cell carcinoma then a biopsy may be performed. A biopsy involves numbing the area and then surgically removing all or part of it.
Dr Aslam offers Mohs surgery to treat squamous cell carcinoma. This highly specialised procedure involves the use of a surgical instrument and a microscope to remove all the cancer cells carefully.
About Dr Arif Aslam
Patient care and cutting edge treatments are paramount to my work as a Consultant Dermatologist where I am always striving for the best possible outcomes for my patients.
Dermatological Surgeon & Mohs Micrographic Surgeon, Honorary Senior Lecturer.
MBChB, MRCP (UK), MRCGP, MRCP (Derm), FRACP, FACD, FACMS
An experienced consultant dermatologist, Dr. Aslam is a double fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon and fellow of the prestigious American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS).
He is one of only a few dermatologists in the UK and Europe with this accreditation and the only UK dermatologist with membership of both the Australasian College of Dermatologists and American College of Mohs Surgery.
