Squamous cell cancer is a malignant tumour which is more aggressive than basal cell cancer. It involves the middle portion of the epidermal layer of the skin.

It most often arises from sun-damaged areas of skin, and is most common in people over the age of 50.

What causes squamous cell cancer, and what is it?

The causes of squamous cell cancer are the same as those of basal cell cancer.

It involves cancerous changes to the middle part of the skin layer. It is usually painless at first, but may become painful, with the development of ulcers which will not heal. It may begin in normal skin, or in the skin of a burn, injury or scar, or at the site of chronic inflammation or sun-damage.

It is more likely to spread to other parts of the body than basal cell cancer, but is usually still slow growing. It can spread to internal organs.

Symptoms

It is a skin lesion, growth or bump. It is generally small, firm, reddened, and may be a nodule or a flat growth.

The growth may be cone-shaped, with a scaly or encrusted surface. It usually occurs on the face, neck, hands and arms but can occur in other areas of the body.

Treatment and outcome

The treatment varies according the size, depth and position of the tumour, and whether or not there is any spread to other organs.

Surgery is the usual treatment, in which the tumour, plus a large area of skin around and beneath it, are removed. Microscopic shaving may remove very small tumours. Skin grafting may be needed if very large areas are affected.

More than 95 percent are cured if removed promptly, but, again, new tumours can occur at any time, so continue to avoid sun-exposure where possible.