A rough patch that won’t go away. A scab that keeps returning. A sore that bleeds easily. Many people assume these changes are harmless until they’re told it’s squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, and while it’s often highly treatable with Mohs surgery or another procedure, it can grow deeper and spread if ignored. The good news is that with early detection and expert care, most squamous cell cancers can be removed successfully with excellent outcomes.
At Manhattan Dermatology, patients receive comprehensive skin cancer diagnosis and treatment from a team of leading board-certified dermatologists, including fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Wendy Long Mitchell. With two convenient New York City locations and physicians who are also NYU dermatology professors, you can trust you’re receiving expert, attentive care at every step.
What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in squamous cells, the flat cells that make up most of the outer layer of your skin. SCC usually develops after years of UV exposure, but it can also form in areas of chronic irritation or in people with weakened immune systems.
Unlike basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma has a greater chance of spreading (metastasizing) if left untreated. That’s why prompt diagnosis and treatment are so important.
Squamous cell carcinoma commonly appears on:
- The face, lips, and ears
- The scalp
- The neck
- The hands and forearms
- The legs
- Areas of previous burns, scars, or chronic wounds
Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
SCC can look like many other skin conditions, including eczema, warts, or a persistent sore. If something looks unusual or doesn’t heal, it’s worth getting checked.
Common signs of squamous cell carcinoma include:
- A firm, red bump or raised growth
- A rough or scaly patch that may crust or bleed
- A sore that doesn’t heal or heals and returns
- A growth with a central depression or ulceration
- A wart-like lesion that may be tender
- A thickened area on the lip, especially in people with sun exposure
Because SCC can develop in sun-damaged areas, it may also appear alongside precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options
Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma depends on how advanced it is and where it’s located. The goal is to remove all cancer cells and reduce the chance of recurrence, while achieving the best cosmetic outcome possible.
Treatment options may include:
- Mohs micrographic surgery (especially for facial, recurrent, or high-risk SCC)
- Surgical excision (removing the cancer with a margin of healthy skin)
- Curettage and electrodesiccation (often for smaller, lower-risk lesions)
- Cryotherapy (freezing) in select early cases
- Topical treatments for very superficial SCC
- Radiation therapy (when surgery isn’t an option or for complex cases)
Mohs surgery is often recommended for SCC in delicate or high-risk locations because it allows your provider to confirm clear margins in real time, helping protect healthy tissue and reduce recurrence risk.
Why Choose Manhattan Dermatology
Skin cancer care requires a team that can diagnose accurately, treat precisely, and monitor your skin long-term. Manhattan Dermatology is a trusted NYC practice offering comprehensive skin cancer care, including biopsy, removal, and ongoing surveillance — all in one place.
Patients choose Manhattan Dermatology because they offer:
- Board-certified dermatologists with extensive experience in skin cancer care
- Fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgery with Dr. Wendy Long Mitchell, MD, FAAD, FACMS
- NYU faculty physicians — all dermatologists are professors at New York University
- Two convenient Manhattan locations on Park Avenue and East 36th Street in Murray Hill and Midtown East
- In-office diagnosis and treatment for many skin cancers and suspicious moles
- Full-spectrum dermatology services, including care for eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and cosmetic treatments like Botox®, dermal fillers, and laser skin resurfacing
- Flexible scheduling and availability for new patients
This combination of expertise and convenience makes it easier to stay proactive about your skin health.
Take Control of Your Skin Health With Expert SCC Care in NYC
If you’re concerned about a persistent sore, scaly patch, or changing skin growth, Manhattan Dermatology can help. To schedule an evaluation at one of their New York City locations, call (212) 683-6073 or (212) 689-9587 today.