skin disorders
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by its thick, scaly, irregular appearance, but it can have various appearances, and a doctor may be suspicious of any sores on sun-exposed surfaces that do not heal. Squamous cell carcinoma typically begins as a red area with a scaly, crusted surface. As it grows, the tumor may become somewhat raised and firm, sometimes with a wartlike surface. Eventually, the cancer becomes an open sore and grows into the underlying tissue. Squamous cell carcinomas can have various appearances. This photo shows one that is raised, scaly, and crusted. Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. This red, irregular area on the arm was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma after a biopsy. © Springer Science+Business Media Squamous cell carcinomas can have various appearances. This photo shows an area that is scaly, crusted, and darker than the surrounding skin. It was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma after a biopsy. DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY This squamous cell carcinoma on the lip shows excess build up of keratin (a protein that forms on the surface of the skin, appearing as a brown crust) that has broken down to form an open sore. (The doctor has marked the border of the carcinoma with a pen.) Photo courtesy of Gregory L. Wells, MD. 