Squamous Cell Carcinoma: 5 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Jul 01, 2026
Squamous cells make up the outermost layer of your skin, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops when these cells get damaged and start growing uncontrollably. SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer in the United States, and it can affect anyone at any age.
Maybe it’s a rough, scaly patch on your arm that won't heal, or a bump on your face that keeps growing. SCC can take a number of different forms, and learning the early warning signs can help you catch SCC in its early stages, when it's most treatable.
Our team at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center specializes in skin cancer screening and treatment, and here are five common warning signs you should never ignore.
Almost everyone experiences dry skin from time to time, but pay attention if you notice a rough, scaly patch on your skin that doesn't heal with moisturizer or home treatment.
Actinic keratosis is a type of precancerous lesion that can look like a rough patch of skin that won’t go away. The patch might be pink, red, tan, or brown, with a texture that feels rough or crumbly when you touch it. It's often tender or itchy. Without treatment, patches like these can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
Not all skin bumps mean cancer, but any bump that grows or changes should be examined. A bump caused by SCC can be flesh-colored, reddish, or darker, and could have a pearly appearance. The bump might develop a central depression or crater.
Unlike normal moles or skin growths that remain stable, cancerous bumps and lesions usually change and grow over the course of a few weeks or months.
Watch for sores on your skin that bleed, crust over, and partially heal, only to reopen and bleed again, especially if the cycle continues for weeks without complete healing. The sore might develop raised, rolled edges with a depression in the center. Non-healing sores like these are concerning and warrant professional evaluation.
Along with non-healing wounds, look for bleeding or oozing from a skin lesion without any obvious cause. The area might be ulcerated (depressed) below the surrounding skin. Any bleeding that isn’t the result of trauma should never be ignored.
Warts are common, but wartlike growths can sometimes be caused by SCC. These growths may have a rough, wartlike appearance and a reddish or brownish color. Sometimes, they have a horn-like projection protruding from the surface. These lesions grow slowly but persistently and don't resolve on their own or with traditional wart treatment.
SCC is primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds. It can be aggressive and it poses a risk of spreading to other parts of your body if left untreated. The good news? It’s highly treatable when it’s identified in early stages.
If caught early, SCC cure rates exceed 95% when tumors are small and haven't spread. Early detection also preserves your appearance and function. Small tumors caught early can often be treated with minimal scarring or disfigurement, whereas advanced lesions may require more extensive treatment affecting your appearance more significantly.
So if you notice any of these warning signs or any other concerning changes on your skin, don't wait or hope the lesion will resolve on its own. Schedule a professional skin check appointment at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center. Our experienced providers examine your skin, identify suspicious lesions, and perform biopsies when necessary to confirm diagnosis.
We offer comprehensive skin cancer screenings that detect squamous cell carcinoma and other skin cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages. If skin cancer is diagnosed, we provide expert treatment tailored to your specific tumor type and location, using approaches that maximize cure rates while minimizing scarring and preserving your appearance.
Don't ignore warning signs. Early professional evaluation could save your life. Contact Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, online or by phone today to schedule your skin cancer screening.