What should you know about invasive squamous cell skin cancer?

Squamous cells form much of the outer skin. When cancer develops in these cells and becomes invasive, it has moved into deeper skin tissue rather than remaining confined to the surface layer. Some invasive tumours can grow into nearby structures or travel to lymph nodes, although the risk varies with the tumour's features and site.

A clinician usually confirms the diagnosis with a skin biopsy. The pathology report can describe the tumour type, depth, grade, and whether the edges of the removed sample contain cancer cells. Examination of the skin and nearby lymph nodes helps the care team plan the next step.

Arrange a review with a dermatologist, skin cancer specialist, or oncology team. Bring the biopsy report, a list of medicines, and information about previous skin cancers or treatments. Treatment often aims to remove the tumour with a margin of healthy-looking tissue. Depending on the location and risk features, the plan may include tumour removal surgery, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Protecting treated skin from sun exposure and checking the rest of the skin can help the team notice new or returning changes. Follow the wound-care instructions you receive, and report increasing redness, swelling, drainage, or fever after a procedure.

Seek a prompt clinical assessment for a sore, crusted, scaly, or thickened area that does not heal, keeps bleeding, grows, or changes in appearance. These signs can have several causes, so they do not by themselves establish cancer. If you already have a diagnosis, contact your care team promptly for a rapidly enlarging area, new pain, bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, a wound that is not healing, or a new lump near the treated area.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe swelling, breathing difficulty, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction after treatment.

Ask where the tumour is located, how deep it is, whether the biopsy removed it completely, and whether nearby lymph nodes need assessment. You can also ask why a particular treatment is recommended, how it may affect appearance or movement, what wound care is required, and how the team will check for recurrence or new skin cancers.