How serious is squamous cell skin carcinoma?

Written by: Dr Raj Mallipeddi
Published:
Edited by: Laura Burgess

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) often presents itself as a hard, scaly lump and sometimes can even appear like a wart on the skin. Other features may include ulceration. Often there are no other symptoms, but signs of squamous cell carcinoma may include bleeding and itching. If you press the area of involved skin, the lump may feel tender.

 

What areas of the body is squamous cell carcinoma most likely to appear?

Squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) can potentially appear anywhere on the body but is most likely to occur on sites that have had the most sun exposure. When a person spends a lot of time exposed outdoors, the most common areas to attract ultraviolet rays are the head and scalp. The back of the hand is an area susceptible to develop SCC because it too is often unprotected.
 

Who is most likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma?

Individuals most likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma are those who are more susceptible to sunburn. There are also some people who are immunosuppressed (who have a reduced immune system) because of certain medications that they are taking, perhaps to manage conditions such as leukaemia or HIV. Some immunosuppressed individuals may have had a kidney or heart transplant and are on drugs that supress the immune system. From a population perspective, the amount of people who are on this type of medication is very low.
 

When should you see a doctor?

Any new lump or spot which may exhibit any of the characteristics mentioned (a hard, scaly lump) that is rapidly growing should be checked by a specialist. It can be difficult to know when to visit a doctor but these sorts of lesions when evident on the skin should be examined.
 

What is the outlook for squamous cell carcinoma and can it be treated successfully?

The outlook for squamous cell carcinoma depends on the stages of development and how early it is caught. In principle, capturing SCC early and having it cut out with surgery is, in most cases, sufficient.

Successful treatment depends on how early you catch squamous cell carcinoma. The majority are low risk and can be cured. A small number spread as metastases to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

By Dr Raj Mallipeddi
Dermatology

Dr Raj Mallipeddi is an award-winning consultant dermatological surgeon based in London who specialises in skin cancer, cosmetic dermatology and surgical dermatology alongside Mohs surgery, laser surgery, and photodynamic surgery. He practices privately for HCA Sydney Street Outpatient Centre, Dermatological Surgery, Laser Unit at Guy's Hospital Cancer Centre, and Bupa Cromwell Hospital. He also works for the Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Mallipeddi is well respected in the dermatology and skin cancer field, working in lead roles at top centres in the capital. He is the lead clinician for dermatological surgery and the laser unit at St John's Institute of Dermatology at Guy's Hospital Cancer Centre and was the lead consultant for skin cancer for his NHS trust, seeing referrals from all over the UK. Dr Mallipeddi studied at Imperial College in London where he was awarded an MBBS in 1997. During this time, he also completed an intercalated BSc (Hons) degree in psychology at University College London in 1994. Subsequently, he obtained a Doctor of Medicine higher research degree studying squamous cell carcinoma at King's College London from 2001 to 2003.

Dr Mallipeddi has been professionally recognised as well as by patients. He has been awarded the St John's Dermatological Society registrar prize, the Wooden Curette Award from the British Society for Dermatological Society and named by Marquis (American publisher of directories) as the Who's Who in Healthcare 2009-10. As well as being a highly-qualified professional, Dr Mallipeddi lectures nationally and internationally. He is also heavily involved in medical education as the national curriculum lead for Mohs and Advanced Dermatological Surgery and he has written the "practical procedures" chapter in the "ABC of Dermatology" book. 

He is also widely published, and a pioneer in his field for being one of the only UK doctors who has completed advanced training in Mohs micrographic surgery as certified by the American College of Mohs Surgery. He serves on numerous boards including chair of the UK Mohs micrographic service standards committee and was the past President of the British Society for Dermatological Surgery (2015-2017). Furthermore, he is past president of the St John's Dermatological Society (2021-2022). 

He was a member of the British Association of Dermatologists' (BAD) guideline committees for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and photodynamic therapy and has helped to develop important national guidelines.

View Profile

Overall assessment of their patients


  • Related procedures
  • Laser
    Microdermoabrasion
    Treatment pigmented lesions
    Microneedling
    Platelet-rich plasma
    Dark circles
    Radiofrequency Facelift
    Lifting by radiofrequency
    Hands rejuvenation
    Cryolipolysis
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.