Squamous cell carcinoma

Ulcerating squamous cell carcinoma

Ulcerating squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common non-melanotic skin cancer, second in frequency only to basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It occurs as the result of malignant transformation of epidermal keratinocytes, invades local tissues and has the potential to metastasize.

If this diagnosis is suspected, urgent referral should be made to a dermatologist or surgeon for confirmation by biopsy and treatment; surgical excision, when possible, is the treatment of choice. For tumours where excision is not felt to be possible of if the patient is unwilling to accept surgery, radiotherapy may be offered as an alternative. Cryotherapy or curettage and cautery (C&C) should be considered only for small, low risk tumours.