What does squamous cell carcinoma look like? — extra information
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Introduction
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common form of skin cancer, usually looks like a scaly or crusty lump that enlarges over time. It can also look like an open sore (ulcer) that isn’t healing.
Location
- SCCs can occur anywhere on the skin.
- In people with pale skin, they are most commonly seen on the face, lips, ears, hands, forearms, and lower legs — areas of skin that are often exposed to more sun.
- They can also arise in other parts of the body including the mouth, the genital area, and even the bottom of the feet.
- People with brown or black skin who get SCC are more likely to develop it in areas of skin that are protected from the sun.
Colour
SCCs can be a range of different colours, including:
- The same colour as the surrounding skin (common)
- Pink or red
- Purple, grey, brown, or black (especially in people with darker skin types).
Size
SCCs may range in size from a few millimetres (mm) to several centimetres (cm) across. They usually grow quite quickly, over weeks to months.
Other features
SCCs can vary in appearance — they may have one or more of the following features:
- A cutaneous horn — a thick, tough spike (‘horn’) sticking out from the skin, made from keratin (the protein in skin, hair, and nails)
- A thickened or wart-like texture
- Be prone to bleeding easily
- Grow within a pre-existing sun spot or ulcer.
For more information about SCC, see:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (overview)
- Is squamous cell carcinoma deadly?
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