Even though skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, your treatment should be one of a kind. At Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, you’ll get a personalized treatment plan from our caring experts.
We screen to catch skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective. A precise diagnosis guides your custom treatment plan.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually not considered life-threatening, but it can become dangerous if left untreated.
Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the skin’s surface, called the epidermis. The cells are thin, flat and scaly — almost like fish scales.
Squamous cell carcinomas often appear as flat, scaly, reddish or brownish patches. It usually forms on sun-exposed skin like the head (especially the face/nose), neck and hands.
A slow-growing skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body. When squamous cell carcinoma is detected early and treated, treatment is typically very successful. Five-year survival rates are typically 99 percent.
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of developing a disease. Having risk factors, however, does not necessarily mean you will get cancer. It’s important to know your personal risk factors and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Risk factors include having:
There are also risk factors for people with darker skin tones, including people of Hispanic and African-American descent.
You can prevent or reduce your risk for squamous cell carcinoma by:
Our experts also recommend knowing and understanding your personal risk factors. That way, you can take steps to prevent or reduce your risk for squamous cell carcinoma.
Our cancer specialists at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute expertly combine the best of clinical research with the best of patient care to deliver your best outcomes.
I want to see the site in English
Continue In EnglishQuiero ver el sitio en Español
Continuar en español
