National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Squamous cell carcinoma

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
Carcinoma, squamous cell; Epidermoid carcinoma; Squamous cell skin cancer
Categories:
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. SCC most often affects individuals who are exposed to large amounts of sunlight. It is typically characterized by a red papule or plaque with a scaly or crusted surface; it may be suspected whenever a small, firm reddish-colored skin lesion, growth or bump appears on the skin, but it may also be a flat growth with a curly and crusted surface. Most often these growths are located on the face, ears, neck, hands and/or arms, but they may occur on the lips, mouth, tongue, genitalia or other area. The most common causes of SCC are radiation from the sun and arsenic exposure. With appropriate treatment, it is usually curable.[1]
Last updated: 6/22/2011
Skin cancer generally has a high cure rate if it is treated early. Treatment depends on how big the tumor is, its location, and how far it has spread (metastasis).[2] Methods of treatment for squamous cell carcinoma may include:
  • Curettage and desiccation - scraping away the cancer and using electricity to kill any remaining cancer cells; this is used to treat cancers that are not very large or deep[1][2]
  • Surgical excision - cutting out of the tumor and stitching up the remaining tissue[1]
  • Radiation therapy (if the skin cancer is located in an area difficult to treat surgically)[1]
  • Microscopically controlled excision (Mohs surgery) - repeated cutting out of small pieces of tissue that are then examined microscopically to check if any cancer has been left behind; repeated application of this technique minimizes the removal of healthy tissue and is cosmetically more satisfying, especially if carried out with a plastic surgeon as part of the medical team.[1][2] This is more likely to be used for skin cancers on the nose, ears, and other areas of the face.[2]
  • Cryosurgery - freezing and killing the cancer cells[2]
  • Skin creams and medications - may be used to treat superficial (not very deep) squamous cell carcinoma.[2]

The outlook for small squamous cell lesions that are removed early and completely is extremely favorable, with about 95% cured if they are removed promptly.[1][2]

Last updated: 6/23/2011

FDA-Approved Treatments

The medication(s) listed below have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as orphan products for treatment of this condition. Learn more orphan products.

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Squamous cell carcinoma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Squamous cell carcinoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • My father was diagnosed with epidermoid carcinoma in his mouth. Is this curable? See answer


  1. Carcinoma, Squamous Cell. NORD. April 20, 2008; http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/764/viewAbstract. Accessed 6/22/2011.
  2. Squamous cell skin cancer. MedlinePlus. August 12, 2009; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000829.htm. Accessed 6/23/2011.