SCC Medical Abbreviation

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can appear in many forms, depending on where it develops and how advanced it is. It most often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, hands, and scalp — but it can occur anywhere on the body.

Common symptoms and warning signs include:

• A scaly or crusted patch of skin
Early SCC often looks like a rough, scaly spot that doesn’t heal. It may feel dry, raised, or flaky, and can sometimes bleed or itch.

• A sore that doesn’t heal
One of the hallmark signs of SCC is a sore or ulcer that lingers for weeks, heals partially, and then reopens. Persistent non-healing wounds should always be checked by a healthcare professional.

• A firm red nodule or lump
Some SCCs develop as thick, raised growths with a hard surface. They may become tender or painful over time.

• Wart-like growth
SCC can sometimes resemble a wart — rough, thick, and crusted. Unlike common warts, these growths usually continue enlarging and do not respond to over-the-counter treatments.

• Changes in an existing lesion or scar
If an old scar, burn, or ulcer starts to change colour, thicken, or bleed, it could be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma developing within that area.

• Lip or mouth changes
SCC on the lips may appear as a scaly patch or sore that won’t heal, often on the lower lip. When it occurs inside the mouth or throat, symptoms can include a persistent sore, difficulty swallowing, or a lump.

Here are the main causes and contributing factors:

• Prolonged sun exposure
The biggest cause of SCC is chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Over time, UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that cause them to grow out of control.

• Tanning beds and lamps
Artificial UV light from tanning equipment is just as harmful as natural sunlight. Frequent use can significantly increase your risk of developing SCC, especially on areas not regularly exposed to the sun.

• Weakened immune system
People with weakened immunity — such as organ transplant recipients or those on long-term immunosuppressant medication — are more vulnerable to skin cancers, including SCC. Their bodies are less able to repair DNA damage or destroy abnormal cells.

• Previous skin injuries
Old burns, scars, ulcers, or areas of chronic inflammation can sometimes become sites for SCC. Damaged skin cells in these areas may be more likely to mutate over time.

• Exposure to harmful chemicals
Long-term contact with substances such as arsenic, tar, or industrial chemicals can increase the risk of SCC, particularly in people with occupational exposure.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Certain strains of HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, are linked to SCCs that develop in areas like the lips, mouth, throat, or genital region.

• Fair skin and light features
People with fair skin, light eyes, and blonde or red hair have less natural melanin — a pigment that protects against UV damage. This makes them more likely to develop SCC with prolonged sun exposure.

• Age and gender
SCC is more common in older adults, since UV damage accumulates over decades. It also occurs more frequently in men, likely due to greater lifetime sun exposure.

Treatment depends on the size, depth, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common approaches include:

• Surgical excision
The most common treatment. The tumour and a small margin of surrounding healthy skin are removed to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated.

• Mohs micrographic surgery
Used for high-risk or facial SCCs, this precise technique removes cancer cells layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

• Curettage and electrocautery
Smaller or superficial SCCs can be scraped away, and the area is treated with heat to destroy any remaining abnormal cells.

• Cryotherapy
Freezing small, early SCCs with liquid nitrogen can destroy cancer cells without surgery.

• Radiation therapy
Used when surgery isn’t possible or for cancers in delicate areas (like the lips or ears). Radiation targets and destroys remaining cancer cells.

• Topical or photodynamic therapy
For very early lesions, medicated creams or light-based treatments can be used to destroy abnormal cells on the skin’s surface.

• Systemic treatments
For advanced or metastatic SCC, targeted therapy or immunotherapy drugs (like cemiplimab or pembrolizumab) may be used to help the immune system attack cancer cells.

Certain factors can make someone more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). While UV radiation is the leading cause, other medical and environmental factors also raise the risk.

Key risk factors include:

• Prolonged sun exposure
People who spend long hours outdoors without proper sun protection face higher UV damage over time — especially those living in sunny or high-altitude climates.

• Fair skin, light eyes, and hair
Individuals with less melanin have less natural protection against UV radiation, making their skin more prone to DNA damage that can lead to SCC.

• Age
The risk increases with age, as years of sun exposure accumulate. Most SCC cases occur in people over 50.

• Gender
Men develop SCC more often than women, likely because of greater occupational or recreational sun exposure.

• History of sunburns
Severe or repeated sunburns — even from childhood — can permanently damage skin cells, increasing the risk later in life.

• Weakened immune system
People taking immunosuppressive drugs (such as organ transplant recipients) or living with immune-compromising conditions have a much higher chance of developing SCC.

• Previous skin cancer
Having had basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, or a previous SCC increases the likelihood of developing new skin cancers in the future.

• Exposure to carcinogenic substances
Long-term contact with arsenic, tar, or other industrial chemicals can trigger SCC, especially on the hands, forearms, and face.

• Chronic skin injury or inflammation
Old scars, burns, ulcers, or areas of long-term inflammation can become sites for SCC after years of repeated irritation or damage.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Certain HPV strains (especially types 16 and 18) can cause SCC in areas like the mouth, throat, or genitals.