Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It’s usually found on areas of the body damaged by UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Sun-exposed skin includes the head, neck, chest, upper back, ears, lips, arms, legs, and hands.

SCC is a slow-growing skin cancer.  it can spread to the tissues, bones, and nearby lymph nodes, where it may become hard to treat.

SYMPTOMS OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA 

•  dome-shaped bump that looks like a wart
•  red, scaly patch of skin that’s rough and crusty and bleeds easily
• open sore that doesn’t heal completely
•  growth with raised edges and a lower area in the middle that might bleed or itch

CAUSES

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, like the ones from the sun or a tanning 

it affects the middle and outer layers of  skin . This can lead to out-of-control growth of these cells, which can lead to squamous cell carcinoma.

RISK FACTORS

• Older age
• Male
• Fair-skin tone
• Blue, green, or gray eyes
• Blonde or red hair
•  exposed to the sun's UV Rays
• History of sunburns, precancerous spots on skin, or skin cancer
• Tanning beds and bulbs
• Long-term exposure to chemicals such as arsenic in the water
• Bowen’s disease, HPV, HIV, or AIDS
• Exposed to radiation
• Inherited DNA condition
• Weakened immune system

COMPLICATIONS

If it’s not treated, squamous cell carcinoma can spread and damage healthy tissue and organs. In rare cases, it can be life-threatening,

• The cancer is large or very deep.
• The cancer involves mucous membranes, like lips .
• You have a weakened immune system because of certain conditions, like some types of leukemia.

 PREVENTION OF SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

• Avoid the more sun during exposer.
• Use a sunscreen daily -- even when it’s cloudy and raining -- on exposed skin,
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Look closely at skin regularly to see if there are any new growths or any changes in moles, freckles, bumps, or birthmarks. Pay attention to your face, neck, ears, scalp, chest, arms, hands, legs, feet, genital area, and between your buttocks. Call your doctor if you notice anything that looks questionable.

If we'hv diagnosed with skin cancer, we're more likely to get it again --