Why Central Florida Sees So Much of It
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer in the United States, trailing only basal cell carcinoma. In Central Florida and the greater Orlando area, where sunshine is a year-round constant and outdoor life is the norm, the risk climbs. Cumulative ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the primary driver, and unlike many parts of the country, our winter months still deliver enough UV to keep the clock ticking.
SCC arises from the squamous cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. It most often appears on areas that have absorbed the most sun over a lifetime: the face, ears, scalp, neck, forearms, and the backs of the hands. Fair-skinned adults over 50, people with a history of tanning bed use, and organ transplant recipients face the highest risk.
What to Look For
SCC does not always look alarming at first. Early lesions can resemble simple dry patches or minor scrapes that will not heal. Common signs include:
- A firm, red bump that grows over weeks or months
- A rough, scaly patch that may crust or bleed
- A sore that repeatedly heals and reopens
- A wart-like growth, sometimes with a central crust
- A raised area with a depressed or crusted center
Pay particular attention to any lesion on the lip, ear, or hand. SCC in these locations has a slightly higher tendency to spread, so timing matters.
Actinic keratoses (rough, sandpaper-like spots on sun-exposed skin) are considered precancerous and can progress to SCC if ignored. Treating them early is one of the most effective ways to prevent the cancer from developing at all.
Early Detection Keeps Treatment Simple
Caught early, most SCCs are removed in a single in-office procedure with excellent outcomes. Advanced or neglected lesions may require Mohs micrographic surgery, reconstruction, or additional therapy. The gap between a simple excision and a complex reconstruction is often just a matter of months, which is why a regular skin check carries so much value.
An annual full-body skin exam gives a dermatology provider the chance to spot suspicious lesions before you notice them, biopsy anything questionable, and treat precancerous spots on the same visit. Between appointments, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), sun-protective clothing, and a wide-brim hat remain the most reliable ways to slow new UV damage.
If it has been more than a year since your last full-body skin exam, or if you have noticed a spot that will not heal, schedule a full-body skin exam at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center serving Central Florida and greater Orlando.