How quickly does squamous cell carcinoma grow?

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) generally grows slowly, but the rate can vary depending on several factors, including the location, individual immune response, and the tumor’s characteristics. In many cases, SCC can take months to even a couple of years to reach a size of 1 cm, as you've described. The fact that your nodule has been growing for about two years before reaching this size is consistent with a slower-growing SCC, which is more common.

However, while SCC tends to grow gradually, it is still important to treat it promptly once diagnosed. Left untreated, SCC can eventually become more aggressive, invading deeper tissues or spreading to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs (though this is less common). The biopsy confirming SCC is crucial, and based on that result, your healthcare provider will recommend the next steps, which often involve surgical removal of the lesion. Early intervention can effectively eliminate the cancer and reduce the risk of further complications.

I encourage you to follow up with your dermatologist or healthcare provider to discuss treatment options, which may include excision, Mohs surgery, or other modalities, depending on the specifics of your case.

Most skin squamous cell cancers are slow growing and rarely metastisize untill they get large. Those in the lip or oral cavity are much more aggressive. There is one type of squamous cell carcinoma that grows rapidly (weeks and months) and forms a volcano like lesion with a central depression in its classic form called keratoacanthoma.A lesion on the nose is of concern becase if it grows close to or involves the alar rim(nostril rim) reconstruction becomes complicated requiring composite grafts from the ear.  Radiation and a more conservative frozen section excision should be considered when the alar rim is at risk. As a plastic surgeon, I consider the reconstructive alternatives before deciding if I will perform Mohs or conventional wide excisions.  Mohs is not the "be all and end all" .

While it is said that most skin cancers grow slowly, the true answer is "it depends". It depends on location of the skin cancer, your general health, the health of your skin and the cause of the skin cancer. Most squamous cell carcinomas(SCC's) arise in skin damaged by ultra violet light and, often, grow slowly. However, if the UV damage is severe or if the SCC arose from a burn or infection site, the cancer can grow rapidly and spread to other organs. Additionally, SCC, which grows contiguously(like the roots of a plant) will sometimes send "seeds" beyond the tissue containing the "roots". These factors all have to be considered in determining how to deal with SCC. The best advice I can give you is to not delay and have this evaluated by a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. I hope I have answered your question. Best.          jlr

While SCC is a diagnosis, there are also types of SCCs that are more infiltrative than others, so those can grow faster and deeper. It's not necessary to know which one you have for treatment purposes. The most important thing to know is that you DO have confirmed SCC and now you need to get treatment for it. Once I know a patient has a confirmed skin cancer, we try to get them their appointment to resolve it within 2 months. There's no point in delaying it further and letting it grow. "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."