Diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer type which occurs in countries around the world. It is the second most common skin cancer, behind basal cell carcinoma (BCC),¹ and current statistics suggest that the number of people affected appears to be increasing. It is therefore likely that nurses working in primary care will be approached by patients seeking advice about abnormal skin lesions or who are having treatment or investigations. This article therefore hopes to give nurses and non-medical prescribers more confidence in recognising this condition, which will enable them to get earlier diagnosis and treatment for any patient presenting with symptoms of this disease.