Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Symptoms

More than 250,000 Americans receive a diagnosis of squamous cell skin cancer annually. Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer and develops when cells in the skin's top layer, also called the epidermis, start to abnormally grow out of control. Squamous cell skin cancer is closely linked to damage from ultraviolet rays, and most often occurs in areas such as the ears, lips, face and head.

Red or Brown Skin Patch

• One symptom of squamous skin cancer is a reddish or brown scaly patch of skin that does not go away. This patch may become crusty, have irregular borders and may sometimes bleed. It may look like eczema or psoriasis, two types of skin conditions.

Crater-Like Growth or Nodule

• Another symptom of squamous cell skin cancer is a quickly growing lesion with raised sides and a depression, or crater, in the middle. This growth may sometimes crack and bleed.

Open Sore

• People with squamous cell skin cancer sometimes have an open, bleeding sore that doesn't heal.

Wart-Like Growth

• Another symptom of squamous cell skin cancer is a growth that looks like a wart which may sometimes bleed.

Changes in Moles or Warts

• People who have existing moles or warts who develop squamous cell skin cancer may notice that their moles or warts become itchy, crusty or bleed. A change in an existing skin lesion is often a sign of squamous cell skin cancer.