They may spread to other parts of the body if not treated properly. The ‘poorly differentiated’ squamous cell carcinomas can be the most difficult to treat out of all squamous cell subtypes.

A squamous cell carcinoma looks like a red scaly spot, usually thickened, or a fleshy nodule which may bleed easily or ulcerate after some time. It may be tender to touch.

Squamous cell carcinomas are almost always as a result of years of exposure to the sun. Treatment is usually surgical excision - wide local excision or Mohs micrographic surgery - followed by skin surveillance by Dr Banky.