Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer that usually arises on sun-damaged skin. Most SCCs are very treatable when diagnosed early — but unlike basal cell carcinoma, a minority of SCCs can spread, particularly if they are larger, deeper, recurrent, on higher-risk sites (like the lip or ear), or in people who are immunosuppressed.
This page is a hub that explains SCC in plain English and links you to the two main SCC categories:
- SCC in situ (Bowen’s disease / IEC) — confined to the top layer of skin
- Invasive SCC — has grown deeper into the skin
[Book a targeted spot check (1–3 spots)]
[Book a full skin check]
Quick links
- [SCC in situ (Bowen’s disease / IEC)]
- [Invasive squamous cell carcinoma]
- [Actinic keratosis (pre-cancer)]
- [Skin cancer types]
- [Non-surgical treatment of selected non-melanoma skin cancers]
What does SCC look like?
SCC has a few classic patterns, but it can still be subtle early on. Common presentations include:
- a persistent scaly or crusted patch that doesn’t settle
- a tender, thickened “sandpaper” spot that keeps returning
- a firm, growing lump with scale or crust on top
- a non-healing sore that bleeds easily
- a wart-like growth that enlarges or becomes painful
SCC most often appears on face, scalp, ears, lips, neck, forearms, and backs of hands, but it can occur anywhere.
If a lesion is growing quickly, painful/tender, repeatedly bleeding, or not healing, it should be assessed promptly.
[Book a targeted spot check (1–3 spots)]
Is SCC dangerous?
Most SCCs are cured with appropriate treatment. The reason we take SCC seriously is that some SCCs can spread to lymph nodes. This risk is still low overall, but it increases when SCCs are:
- larger or rapidly growing
- deeper (invasive)
- located on high-risk sites (especially lip, ear, and some facial zones)
- recurrent (previously treated and returned)
- arising in scarred or chronically inflamed skin
- occurring in people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., transplant recipients)
That’s why identifying whether it is in situ or invasive matters.
How SCC is diagnosed
A high-quality assessment usually includes:
- clinical examination + history (growth rate, tenderness, bleeding)
- dermoscopy (magnified evaluation of structure)
- biopsy when needed to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment choice
If you’ve had previous SCC, extensive sun damage, or lots of actinic keratoses, you often benefit from structured prevention and “field” management, not just treating individual spots.
[Actinic keratosis (pre-cancer)]
[How to reduce your chance of getting skin cancer again]
If you’re not sure which appointment to book:
- 1–3 spots you’re worried about: [Book a targeted spot check]
- History of skin cancer / multiple lesions: [Book a full skin check]
Explore SCC in more detail
SCC in situ (IEC / Bowen’s disease)
What it is, what it looks like, and treatment options when the abnormal cells are still confined to the surface layer.
[Read more: SCC in situ]
Invasive SCC
What “invasive” means, which SCCs are higher risk, and why prompt treatment matters.
[Read more: Invasive SCC]
FAQ
Is SCC the same as actinic keratosis?
No. Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancer (sun damage with abnormal cells) that can progress to SCC in some cases. SCC is a true skin cancer.
Can SCC be mistaken for a wart or eczema?
Yes. Early SCC can resemble eczema, psoriasis, a persistent sunspot, or a wart-like growth — especially if it’s scaly and inflamed. Persistence and change over time are key warning signs.
Does SCC in situ spread?
SCC in situ is confined to the surface layer and does not spread as an in-situ lesion, but it can progress to invasive SCC if untreated.
How urgent is SCC?
If a lesion is rapidly enlarging, painful/tender, bleeding repeatedly, or on the lip/ear, you should seek prompt assessment.
Should I book a spot check or a full skin check?
Spot check for 1–3 lesions. Full skin check for reassurance, multiple lesions, extensive sun damage, or prior skin cancer.