Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin, is called Squamous Cell Carcinoma. You’ll sometimes hear it referred to as Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma to mark its difference from very different kinds of SCCs found elsewhere in the body. We doctors say cutaneous which refers to the skin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma often appears as scaly red patches, open sores, warts or elevated growths with a central depression. They may be found to crust over or bleed. If not treated right away, they can disfigure or even be deadly.

“More than 1 million cases of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed each year in the U.S., which translates to about 115 cases diagnosed every hour. Incidence has increased up to 200 percent in the past three decades in the U.S., and more than 15,000 Americans die each year from the disease.” Skin Cancer Foundation

Cumulative, long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds over long periods of time causes most Squamous Cell Carcinomas. For those living in sunny locations like Southern California, year-round sun exposure, intense exposure in the summer months or during sun-laden vacations all accumulate in your skin, which can lead to Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Tanning beds are the leading reason for increased Squamous Cell Carcinoma in young women.

While Squamous Cell Carcinomas usually occurs on parts of your body frequently exposed to the sun, it can occur on any part of your body, including your mucous membranes and genitals. Clues to look for are wrinkles, freckles, dark spots, age spots, pigment discoloration, broken blood vessels and loss of your skin’s elasticity.