How Dangerous is Squamous Cell Skin Cancers? I Keep Having Them.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of the skin. If left untreated these lesions can grow deeper and larger and it is possible for squamous cell carcinoma to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body and cause death. Early detection and treatment by a dermatologist is key. If the squamous cell carcinoma is located on the face, scalp, neck, ears, hands, feet or are larger than a certain size they are best treated by Mohs surgery which has the highest cure rate and is the most tissue sparing procedure. Mohs surgery is best done by a dermatologist who has done fellowship training in Mohs surgery and is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgery. 

Technically, all skin cancers are dangerous if you don't treat them! Once you have had a single skin cancer, it is important for you to be evaluated at least every 6 months by a dermatologist. People who have one are more prone to develop other skin cancers, and if you've had more than one, that makes it even more likely that you will develop more over your lifetime. SCCs are dangerous if left untreated, but if you are seeing a dermatologist often and having suspicious sites evaluated and monitored, that is the best thing you can do.

"This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."