This is one of three types of skin cancer. The other two are basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma . In squamous cell carcinoma, underlying skin cells are damaged, and this leads to the development of a malignant, or life-threatening, tumor (lump). As with the other types of skin cancer, years of exposure to strong sunlight seem to be the main cause.

What are the Symptoms?

A firm, fleshy, hard-surfaced lump develops, and grows steadily. In some cases, it looks like a wart. In others it looks like an ulcer, but the ulceration never heals completely. A squamous cell tumor usually appears on a place that is constantly exposed to sunlight. The lower lip, the ears, and the hands are common sites.

What are the Risks?

You are most at risk of having skin cancer if you have lived in a sunny area or worked outdoors for many years, have light skin, and are middle-aged or elderly. The disorder is very rare in people with dark skin.

If the cancer is allowed to reach an advanced stage, it may metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. If this happens, the outlook is poor. Usually, if the problem is detected early, the treatment is effective.

What should be Done?

Go to your physician without delay if you develop a lump that does not heal in two weeks. Your physician may want you to have a biopsy, in which a small sample of the suspected tumor is removed for analysis.

Most squamous cell tumors are removed by cutting them away. When the tumor is large, a skin graft may be needed to cover the scar. Alternative treatments are cryosurgery (freezing), chemosurgery and radiation therapy. Most patients are completely cured, and regular checkups are advised over the next five years.