Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Explained: Watch Our New 3-Part Animated Video Series

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It develops in the squamous cells that make up the outer layer of the skin and most often appears on areas that have received significant sun exposure over time.

The good news: CSCC is highly treatable when it’s found early. The key is knowing what to look for, understanding what a diagnosis means, and getting changes in your skin evaluated promptly.

That’s why we created a new three-part animated video series on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. In about six minutes total, the series covers what CSCC is, the warning signs and risk factors to know, how CSCC is categorized by risk, and the treatment options available. Watch all three here, or share them with someone who needs to see them.

1. What Is Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma — and What Should You Look For?

CSCC develops in the squamous cells, the thin, flat cells found in the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. It most often develops on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, scalp and backs of the hands, although it can develop elsewhere.

Knowing what to look for matters. In the first video, you’ll learn what CSCC is, where it commonly develops, factors that may increase your risk, and the changes in your skin that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

In this video you’ll learn about:

• What cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is and where it develops
• Where CSCC commonly appears on the body
• Risk factors, including sun exposure and tanning bed use
• Other risk factors, including a weakened immune system, chronic skin inflammation and a history of burns
• Warning signs, including a sore that does not heal or an enlarging red, scaly patch
• Actinic keratoses and their connection to CSCC
• Why regular skin checks and early diagnosis matter

2. What Do the Different Risk Levels of CSCC Mean?

Not every CSCC carries the same level of risk. Characteristics of the tumor can help healthcare providers determine how likely the cancer may be to return, grow into surrounding tissue or spread.

In the second video, we explain local low-risk, local high-risk and very high-risk CSCC and some of the characteristics healthcare providers consider when evaluating the disease.

In this video you’ll learn about:

• How CSCC is categorized by risk
• Characteristics of local low-risk CSCC
• Characteristics associated with local high-risk CSCC
• What very high-risk CSCC means
• How tumor size, depth and location can affect risk
• Factors that may increase the risk of recurrence or spread, including a weakened immune system, chronic inflammation, repeated skin injury and previous radiation therapy
• How CSCC may spread to nearby lymph nodes or, in some cases, other parts of the body
• Why understanding the extent and risk of CSCC helps guide treatment decisions

3. How Is Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated?

Treatment for CSCC depends on several factors, including the size, location, stage and risk level of the cancer. The goal is to remove or destroy the cancer while preserving function and minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy skin.

In the third video of the series, we walk through treatment options for CSCC, from procedures used for localized disease to treatments that may be considered for more advanced cancer.

In this video you’ll learn about:

• How healthcare providers determine an appropriate treatment approach
• Curettage and electrodesiccation
• Shave excision
• How Mohs micrographic surgery works
• When radiation therapy may be considered
• How immunotherapy may be used for more advanced CSCC
• Treatment options for actinic keratoses, including topical treatments and photodynamic therapy

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma?

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a type of skin cancer that begins in the squamous cells found in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. It is the second most common form of skin cancer.

What does CSCC look like?

CSCC can look different from person to person. It may appear as a sore that does not heal or an enlarging red, scaly patch of skin. Any new, changing or persistent spot on your skin should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Where does CSCC usually appear?

CSCC most often develops on areas of the body that receive significant sun exposure, including the face, ears, scalp and backs of the hands. However, it can develop elsewhere on the body.

Who is most at risk for CSCC?

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning can increase the risk of developing CSCC. Other risk factors include a weakened immune system, a history of burns or chronic skin inflammation, and certain other factors that affect the skin.

What is an actinic keratosis?

An actinic keratosis (AK) is a rough, scaly area of skin caused by long-term sun exposure. Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous because some can develop into squamous cell carcinoma over time. Identifying and treating them can help prevent progression.

What do low-risk, high-risk and very high-risk CSCC mean?

Healthcare providers consider characteristics such as the tumor’s size, depth and location when evaluating CSCC. Local low-risk tumors generally have characteristics associated with a lower likelihood of recurrence or spread. High-risk and very high-risk tumors have features associated with greater concern for recurrence, deeper growth or spread and may require a different treatment approach.

Can CSCC spread?

Yes. Most CSCCs are successfully treated while they are localized, but some higher-risk cancers can spread to nearby lymph nodes or, less commonly, other parts of the body. This is one reason early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important.

Is CSCC curable?

CSCC is highly treatable when detected early. Treatment depends on the characteristics of the tumor and may include surgical procedures or other therapies. More advanced CSCC may require additional treatment.

How is CSCC treated?

Treatment depends on the size, location, stage and risk level of the cancer. Options may include curettage and electrodesiccation, excision, Mohs micrographic surgery or radiation therapy. For more advanced CSCC, systemic treatment such as immunotherapy may be considered.

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly precise surgical technique in which cancer is removed in thin layers. Each layer is examined under a microscope during the procedure, and additional tissue is removed until no cancer cells are detected. This approach allows the surgeon to remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy surrounding tissue as possible.

I’ve been diagnosed with CSCC. What should I do now?

Work with your healthcare team to understand the characteristics of your cancer and the treatment approach recommended for you. People who have been diagnosed with CSCC have a higher risk of developing additional skin cancers, so ongoing skin checks and follow-up care are important.

How often should I check my skin?

Become familiar with the moles, lesions and spots on your skin and perform a skin self-exam from head to toe once a month. Your healthcare provider or dermatologist can recommend how often you should have a professional skin exam based on your individual risk and history.

Where can I learn more or find a specialist?

Learn more about cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, skin cancer prevention, early detection and treatment, or use our specialist resources to find a healthcare provider experienced in treating skin cancer.