Both types of cancer have a very high cure rate. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for basal cell carcinoma is 100 percent. The five-year survival rate for squamous cell carcinoma is 95 percent.

How fast does squamous cell carcinoma metastasize?

Squamous cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes (spreads to other areas of the body), and when spreading does occur, it typically happens slowly. Indeed, most squamous cell carcinoma cases are diagnosed before the cancer has progressed beyond the upper layer of skin.

How long does it take for SCC to metastasize?

In this study, the mean onset of metastatic SCC occurred 10.7-years following transplantation. The mean time with which metastatic SCC was detected after diagnosis of the primary SCC lesion was 1.4-years.

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

The Second Most Common Skin Cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells.

Is cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) curable?

When caught early, most SCCs are curable. SCC of the skin is also known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Adding the word “cutaneous” identifies it as a skin cancer and differentiates it from squamous cell cancers that can arise inside the body, in places like the mouth, throat or lungs.

What are the signs and symptoms of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?

Surface changes on a typical SCC may include scaling, ulceration, crusting, or the presence of a cutaneous horn. Less commonly, the lesion may manifest as a pink cutaneous nodule without overlying surface changes.

How do you treat squamous cell carcinoma that has not spread?

There are many ways to treat squamous cell carcinoma that has not spread. These include: cutting away the cancer and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. If a large area of skin is removed, a skin graft may be necessary.