About squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a cancer which usually starts in your skin, where cells start to over produce and change the appearance of your skin. 

It is a slow growing form of skin cancer and it usually remains in the outer layer of your skin. 

If left untreated, SCC can severely spoil the appearance of your skin and may spread to other organs of your body.

SCC is the second most common skin cancer.

Causes

Studies suggest that ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can do long term damage to your skin. This may contribute to the development of SCC.

Treatment

The following treatments are available:

  • surgery
  • radiotherapy.

We aim to surgically remove the cancerous cells fully for diagnosis and treatment. When we do this we also take a narrow border of healthy tissue from around your SCC.

We cover your wound with a dressing and give you post operative care instructions.  

We confirm your diagnosis by sending the tumour (cancerous growth) or a small portion of it to be examined under a microscope.  It may take 2 weeks or more for the results of the examination to be ready.

If your tumour(s) are small, they can be cured when we completely remove the sample of your skin tissue for diagnosis.

Sometimes we need to repair the area with a skin graft or another type of plastic surgery.

Small or large tumours may be treated with further surgery, with or without radiotherapy.

Protecting yourself from further developments of SCC

To protect yourself you must examine your skin every month to look for any unusual growths.  This will help to detect early warning signs of SCC.

Check for existing or new skin lumps or moles that get bigger, change colour, bleed or itch.  Most changes are harmless but they may indicate the start of a skin cancer. 

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Make a GP appointment if you are worried about changes in your skin.

Protection from the sun

Protecting your skin from the sun can reduce your risk of getting sun related skin cancer.

Follow these recommendations.

  • Protect yourself from the sun between 11am to 3pm (when the sun is at its strongest).
  • Wear protective clothing: hat, long sleeves, long skirt or trousers.
  • Apply a sunscreen regularly to exposed skin before going into the sun.  Use a brand with sun protection factor of 30 or above which can also block both UVA and UVB light. Re-apply the sun cream according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially if you are sweating or have been swimming when you are out in the sun.
  • Protect your children from the sun in the same way.
  • Avoid artificial sunlamps, including sunbeds and UV tanning cabinets.

More information

Use the drop-down menu for information and support.

Contact information

Kingston Hospital skin cancer nursing team and Macmillan support worker, Monday to Friday 9am to 5 pm. Email: khft.skincancernurses1@nhs.net


Kingston Hospital dermatology and plastic surgery admin


Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton Clinical Oncology and Radiology, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
 

Kingston Hospital Cancer Counselling Service, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Email: khft.cancercounsellingservice@nhs.net


Kingston Hospital Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Email: khft.macinfoswru@nhs.net

Telephone:


Kingston Hospital skin cancer nursing team and Macmillan support worker: 020 8934 3002

 

Kingston Hospital dermatology and plastic surgery admin: 0208 934 6473

 

Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton Clinical Oncology and Radiology: 020 8661 3374

 

Kingston Hospital Cancer Counselling Service: 020 8934 2114

 

Kingston Hospital Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service: 020 8973 5001