Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Recognizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Your Treatment Options
May 07, 2026
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—a timely reminder to pay attention to the body’s largest organ: your skin. If you haven’t scheduled your annual skin check yet, there’s still time to prioritize your health and “check out your birthday suit.”
One of the most common types of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). While it is highly treatable when detected early, it can become more serious if left untreated. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
What Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Look Like?
SCC can take on several different appearances, which is why it’s often overlooked or mistaken for something benign. Warning signs include:
- A scaly, red patch that may crust or bleed
- A firm, raised bump or nodule
- A sore that doesn’t heal or heals and then returns
- A wart-like growth
- A rough, thickened area on sun-exposed skin
- A lesion that may feel tender, itchy, or painful
These spots most commonly appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, hands, and arms—but they can develop anywhere on the body.
Why Early Detection Matters
Like many skin cancers, SCC is much easier to treat in its early stages. Left untreated, it can grow deeper into the skin and, in rare cases, spread to other parts of the body. That’s why regular skin checks—both at home and with a professional—are so important.
Exploring Treatment Options
If you’ve been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, you may already be familiar with traditional treatments such as surgical excision or Mohs surgery. While these are effective, they aren’t the only options.
For patients who are tired of repeated procedures or concerned about cosmetic outcomes, superficial radiation therapy (SRT) offers an alternative. This non-invasive treatment can effectively target both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma with cure rates as high as 99%.
SRT offers several advantages:
- No cutting or stitching
- No scarring
- Minimal to no pain
- No downtime or recovery period
It’s an excellent option for certain patients and treatment areas, particularly when preserving the skin’s appearance is important.
Take Action This Month
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to take action. If you’ve noticed a suspicious spot—or if it’s simply been a while since your last skin exam—don’t wait.
Dr. Ellen Turner is a board-certified dermatologist who is passionate about early detection, patient education, and offering the most effective, personalized treatments available. The Dermatology Office is committed to caring for your skin at every stage of life.
Schedule your appointment today to determine if a lesion needs evaluation—or to find out whether you might be a candidate for superficial radiation therapy.
Your skin deserves expert care.
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