Symptoms of Skin Cancer

6. Risks, Warning Signs, and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

People with fair skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, but they can affect people of any skin color. Besides exposure to UV rays, other risk factors for this form of cancer include human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, radiation therapy, exposure to chemicals, smoking, and older age. This type of skin cancer often presents as a firm red bump or scaly patch but can also appear as a sore that does not heal. Areas of the body that get a lot of sun exposure are more likely to form squamous cell cancer, such as the ears, face, chest, and back. Because this type of cancer can grow deep into the skin, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to stop it from spreading to other areas.