Knowing the early warning signs is critical to receiving an early diagnosis and treatment.
Unprotected exposure to UV rays is a major risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma.
About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers (including SCC) are related to exposure to UV rays.
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Its possible to treat and remove precancerous growths before they ever turn into skin cancer.
These symptoms can also be related to tanning bed use.
A loss of skin firmness and elasticity is another sign of sun damage.
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Changes to the skin can later turn into precancerous growths.
Its estimated that 40% to 60% of all SCC cases first begin as precancers.
The most common form of SCC precancer isactinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis.
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An actinic keratosis looks like a small, rough patch of skin.
It may be scaly and crusty as well.
Possible colors of these lesions include reddish or brownish hues.
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It is often red and scaly.
While it is usually painless, it may ooze or bleed.
The scaly patch of skin, also known as hyperkeratosis, will have irregular borders and may be itchy.
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The color of an SCC lesion can vary greatly from person to person.
SCC lesions in the mouth often appear as white patches while lesions beneath the nails look brown or black.
Open Sores
SCC lesions can develop in open sores or scars that you already have.
They can also progress to resemble an open sore on their own.
The sore may bleed and ooze, then crust over.
If you notice a sore that never seems to heal, its time to get it checked out.
You may also notice that the lesion appears to get better, but then quickly returns.
This is another sign that its time to see the dermatologist.
Elevated Growths
As SCC lesions progress, they may appear elevated, especially around the edges.
While the edges are raised, the center of the sore looks sunken or depressed.
The elevated growth is usually pink or red, but can also be flesh-colored.
At this point in the disease, the lesion can start to spread more quickly.
Wart-Like Nodule
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Finally, an SCC lesion can start to resemble a wart with raised edges.
The area may bleed and crust over, but never heal.
The lesion usually appears as a single wart and may grow in size.
Advanced cases of SCC can appear as a small horn-shaped growth that turns brown.
In most cases of SCC, the lesion is painless.
However, some individuals experience pain or soreness at the site.
Others notice itching or a “pins and needles” feeling on the cancerous growth.
Numbness is also possible.
Perform monthly skin self-checks to look for new skin growths, warts, or sores that dont heal.
If you have any new skin growths that youre concerned about, see your healthcare provider right away.
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Filosa A, Filosa G.Actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and pathological features.G Ital Dermatol Venereol.
2015 Aug;150(4):379-84.
Skin Cancer Foundation.Actinic Keratosis Overview.
American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers.
Cleveland Clinic.Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).
Saint Johns Cancer Institute.Squamous Cell Skin Carcinoma.
UCSF Health.Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Signs and Symptoms.
