Skin Cancer Education
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second most common skin cancer — early treatment prevents serious complications.
What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer in Australia, with approximately 250,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It develops in the squamous cells — the flat cells that form the outer layer of the skin (epidermis).
Unlike BCC, SCC has the potential to metastasise (spread) to lymph nodes and other organs if left untreated. This makes early detection and prompt treatment essential. SCC most commonly develops on areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure: the face, ears, lips, scalp, backs of the hands, and forearms.
With early detection and treatment, the prognosis for SCC is very good. However, delayed treatment can lead to more extensive surgery, greater scarring, and in rare cases, life-threatening spread. This is why regular skin checks are so important, especially for those with significant sun exposure history.
Signs & Symptoms
SCC can develop anywhere on the body, but is most common on sun-exposed skin. Watch for these warning signs:
A firm, red nodule on sun-exposed skin
A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
A new sore or raised area on an old scar or ulcer
A rough, scaly patch on the lip that may become an open sore
A non-healing ulcer or wound that bleeds intermittently
Risk Factors
Chronic UV Exposure
Long-term cumulative sun exposure is the primary risk factor, particularly for outdoor workers and those with a history of sunburn
Fair Skin
People with lighter skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or green eyes are at significantly higher risk
Immunosuppression
Organ transplant recipients face up to 100 times the normal risk of developing SCC due to immunosuppressive medications
Pre-cancerous Lesions
Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses) are precursor lesions that can progress to SCC if left untreated
Previous Skin Cancer
A history of any skin cancer — including BCC — increases the risk of developing SCC
Age & Gender
SCC is more common in men over 50, though it is increasingly diagnosed in younger adults
Treatment at Our Clinic
Dr Ranjini treats squamous cell carcinoma using proven, evidence-based techniques tailored to each patient's specific case:
- Excisional surgery — The standard treatment for most SCCs. The tumour is removed with a margin of healthy tissue, and the specimen is sent for pathological examination to confirm clear margins.
- Local flap repair — For SCCs in visible areas like the face, Dr Ranjini uses adjacent healthy tissue to close the wound and achieve the best possible outcome.
- Specialist referral — For high-risk or advanced SCCs, Dr Ranjini coordinates referrals for radiation therapy, Mohs surgery, or oncology review as needed.
All excised tissue is sent for histopathological analysis. If margins are not clear, Dr Ranjini will discuss further treatment options to ensure complete removal of the cancer.
When to See a Doctor
Don't ignore a new or changing spot, especially if it's firm, scaly, or won't heal. SCC can grow rapidly and the risk of spread increases the longer it is left untreated. If you have actinic keratoses (rough, scaly sun spots), these should also be monitored as they can progress to SCC.
At Helios Skin Clinic, we prioritise patients with urgent concerns. No referral is needed.
When Was Your Last Skin Check?
Most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early. If you haven't had a professional skin check in the past 12 months — now is the time to act.
Book Your Skin Check (opens in new window)No referral needed. Most patients are seen within a week.