Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It grows faster than basal cell carcinoma and can spread if ignored. But here is the good news: caught early, it is highly treatable. At Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics in Cary, Dr. Zain Husain, MD and his team treat SCC effectively and with care. Patients come from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Apex to see him for skin cancer expertise.

A Word from Dr. Husain

“Squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive than BCC, so I don’t like to wait. But here is what I tell my patients: most SCCs are caught early, removed easily in our office, and never come back. The key is not ignoring that red, scaly patch that keeps bleeding or crusting. Let me take a look. It takes five minutes, and it could save you a much bigger surgery down the road.”

Dr. Zain Husain, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist, Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous cell carcinoma starts in the squamous cells, which are the flat cells in the outer part of your epidermis. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, SCC can grow deeper and, in rare cases, spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

But here is the thing most people don’t realize. When caught early, SCC is almost always curable with a simple in-office procedure. Dr. Husain has treated hundreds of patients from Durham, Morrisville, and across the Triangle who put off their skin check and wished they hadn’t. Don’t let that be you.

What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?

SCC doesn’t always look the same. Here is what Dr. Husain looks for during a skin exam.

You might notice a firm, red bump or a scaly patch on your skin that may bleed or crust over. Sometimes it looks like a sore that just won’t heal, no matter how long you wait. Other times, SCC appears as a growth with a central depression and a raised border, or even a wart-like growth that feels rough to the touch.

“If you have a spot that bleeds, forms a crust, heals, then bleeds again in the same spot, that is a red flag,” Dr. Husain says. “Come see me. Most of the time it is nothing serious. But if it is SCC, we want it gone yesterday.”

What Causes Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

The short answer: cumulative sun exposure over your lifetime.

The longer answer: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds damages the DNA in your skin cells. That damage adds up year after year. Eventually, it can trigger mutations that tell your squamous cells to grow out of control.

Other things that raise your risk include:

• Having fair skin (though anyone can get SCC)

• A personal or family history of skin cancer

• A weakened immune system

• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as arsenic

• Previous radiation treatment

How Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated at Noor Dermatology?

Dr. Husain personalizes every treatment based on the size, location, depth, and aggressiveness of the cancer. In most cases, it is a straightforward procedure done right in our Cary office.

Surgical removal is the most common treatment. Dr. Husain removes the cancerous tissue along with a small margin of healthy skin to ensure everything is gone.

Mohs micrographic surgery is often used for SCC on the face, ears, scalp, or other sensitive areas. Dr. Husain removes the cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope right then and there. This means he takes only the cancerous tissue, not healthy skin, which preserves as much of your natural appearance as possible.

In rare cases, radiation therapy or topical chemotherapy may be recommended, usually for patients who cannot undergo surgery.

“I will walk you through every option and tell you honestly what I would recommend for my own family,” says Dr. Husain.

The Single Best Thing You Can Do: Protect Your Skin

Here is a truth Dr. Husain shares with every patient: most SCCs are preventable.

The sunscreen you wear today protects the skin you will have years from now. We carry a range of medical-grade sunscreens in our online store and at our Cary office. They are designed to be comfortable enough to wear every single day.

 Browse our Sunscreen Collection →

Dr. Husain also recommends:

• Wearing a hat and UPF clothing when you are outside for more than 15 minutes

• Seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Skipping tanning beds entirely (yes, even “just once”)

• Doing a self-skin exam once a month. Look everywhere, including your scalp, between your toes, and the backs of your legs.

Concerned About a Spot? Let Dr. Husain Take a Look.

If you have a firm red bump, a scaly patch that bleeds, or a sore that has been there for more than a few weeks, don’t wait. Most of the time it is nothing serious. But if it is SCC, treating it early means a smaller surgery, better cosmetic results, and peace of mind.

Call our Cary office today or request an appointment online. Dr. Husain will get you in, take a look, and give you a clear answer.

 Noor Dermatology & Aesthetics – Cary, NC