Squamous cell carcinoma

Low urgency
-Moderately severe

Squamous cells are the main structural cells of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Squamous cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of these cells.

It is the second most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma and usually develops in sun-exposed areas.

It presents as a red area with a scaly, crusty surface. It is characterized by its thick and irregular appearance, and on many occasions, ulcers appear on its surface that do not heal. 

It is diagnosed through the patient's clinical history, history and biopsy. 

To treat the tumor, the tumor can be scraped and burned with an electric needle (curettage and electrodesiccation), surgically removed, destroyed with the application of cold (cryosurgery) or by applying chemotherapy drugs to the skin.

Bibliographic references
  1. Asuquo ME, Ngim O, Ugare G, et al. Principales neoplasias malignas dermatológicas encontradas en el departamento de cirugía de un hospital universitario en el sur de Nigeria. Am J Clin Dermatol 2008; 9:383.
  2. Pekarek B, Buck S, Osher L. Una revisión completa de las úlceras de Marjolin: diagnóstico y tratamiento. J Am Col Certif Wound Spec 2011; 3:60.
  3. Directrices de la Red Nacional Integral del Cáncer (NCCN), versión 1.2021 Cáncer de piel de células escamosas. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/squamous.pdf (Consultado el 18 de junio de 2021)
  4. Kauvar AN, Arpey CJ, Hruza G, et al. Consenso para el tratamiento del cáncer de piel no melanoma, Parte II: Carcinoma de células escamosas, incluido un análisis de costos de los métodos de tratamiento. Dermatol Surg 2015; 41:1214.
 
Author
Dr. Abel Andrés Orelogio
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Skin patch progresses until it becomes a sore or ulcer


    Hard skin lump


    Skin lesion that doesn't heal


    Raw / crusty skin lesion


    Rough, scaly lesion on skin and/or lip

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Painful and reddened ulcer in affected area
Reddish sores that itch, break open and ooze clear fluid or pus
Muscle weakness

Self-care

Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.