Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most frequently diagnosed skin cancer in Australia.1, 4 Like BCC, the incidence of SCC is increasing. Although there are no firm figures regarding incidence, it has been estimated that 118,000 Australians underwent treatment for SCC in 2002.4, 6 Recent figures have revealed that overall SCC treatment rates have increased by 133% since 1985 with the rates in men and women being similar. The greatest increase has occurred in the southern zone (VIC, TAS) where SCC rates have increased by an incredible 338% since 1985.4
SCC will most often occur on sun-exposed areas of the skin as a thickened red, scaly spot that later may bleed easily or ulcerate. SCC represents a more dangerous form of skin cancer than BCC since it can metastasise, however treatment of SCC is usually successful. Often, SCC starts with actinic keratoses.
