One of the most common types of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which occurs in the squamous cells that form the outer and middle layers of the skin. Although this type of skin cancer isn’t fatal very often, if left untreated it can result in healthy tissue damage, infect nearby organs and lymph nodes, and become fatal in nature.

Most cases of squamous cell carcinomas are caused due to constant exposure to UV rays from tanning lamps or beds or the sun. However, avoiding ultraviolet light is not the only solution to reduce the risk of developing any type of skin cancer. Squamous cells are present in various locations in the body (i.e., lips, ears, backs of your hands, scalp, inside of the mouth, bottom of the feet, and in genital regions) and anywhere the cells are present. This type of skin cancer is, therefore, referred to as the “cancer that develops in the squamous cells”. Facts on squamous cell carcinoma include:

1. Causes of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Most of the changes in the DNA of the skin cells are a result of UV rays that are found in the commercial tanning beds and lamps. Also, the development of this type of skin cancer has a strong association with weak immune systems.

2. Development of SCC
This type of skin cancer develops when the thin and flat squamous cells present in the outer or middle layers of the skin start changing DNA. Changes in the DNA may instruct squamous cells to grow uncontrollably and live continuously even when normal cells die.

3. Common symptoms
Signs and symptoms of SCC include the following:

• There may be a firm red nodule
• There may be a flat sore that is crusty and scaly
• A new raised area or a sore on the old ulcer or scar
• A patch that is scaly and rough may develop on the lips. This could lead to an open sore
• A rough or a red sore inside the mouth
• A patch or a sore that is red, raised, or similar to a wart on the genital region or in the anus

4. Treatment
When this type of skin cancer is left untreated, it can destroy the surrounding tissues that are healthy and spread to the lymph nodes and other organs, making the consequences fatal. If this type of skin cancer is deep or large, the risk of it being aggressive will increase. When found early, squamous cell carcinomas are typically excised via cryosurgery or later surgery, radiation, or topical medication