Individuals who are chronically immunosuppressed, such as by medication or disease, are predisposed to the development of skin cancer as well. It becomes invasive when it penetrates through the epidermis and into the dermis. The lesions appear as pink, rough, scaly patches or nodules that have a tendency to bleed. The growth is typically firm and sometimes extends inward as well as outward in the skin. As the tumor grows, it ulcerates and scabs over.
Common areas are the face, lips, ears, and hands.
Metastasis to other parts of the body can occur. Diagnosis and Tests A suspected SCC, especially a non-healing lesion, should always be biopsied and evaluated under the microscope. A biopsy is easy, relatively painless, and inexpensive. In addition to confirming the diagnosis, the biopsy can distinguish an SCC from other malignant tumors that may require more aggressive therapies. The choice of treatment is based on a variety of factors including size and location of the lesion, type of tumor, and age of the patient.