Skin cancer is an increasingly common disease. This is probably due to a combination of more research into the disease leading to greater public awareness of the issue. And environmental and behavioral conditions changing in contemporary life. Skin cancer is broken down into three types - Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. This article will discuss spotting squamous skin cancer and common characteristics of the disease.

The early signs of squamous cell carcinoma are a red mark or spot forming on the top of the skin or epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma is known to spread so the mark may get bigger and develop into an irregular shaped mark of blemish. Eventually the blemish may become scaly or hard. It may develop a lesion and bleed in some cases. If it isn't treated the carcinoma will spread but normal to surrounding skin cells on the surface of the skin.

Another type of squamous skin cancer is called Bowen's disease. It generally occurs in people over sixty and is more common in women. It's typical signs are a large red rash on the surface of the skin. It is slightly elevated from the skin and had a pronounced edge. As it develops the rash will become scaly to the touch and lesions may develop.

A mature squamous cell carcinoma can often look like a large open ulcer on the surface of the skin. It will bleed often and require constant attention. The cancerous cells can form anywhere on the body but are more commonly found in areas that get most exposed to sunlight or other forms of UV rays. So look for them on the face, ears neck, upper back and arms.

Squamous skin cancer on the face is often noticed very quickly as people are very conscious of how their faces look. In other areas it may not be as easy to spot. However, once it is spotted, it can be treated pretty quickly. treatment involves removing the cancerous cells either by excision or freezing. This can be done with a local anesthetic in you doctor's surgery.

Preventing squamous skin cancer is obviously more desirable than ever having to treat it. The best way to prevent any skin cancer is to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun or appliances that expose the skin to UVA and UVB radiation (like sun beds). The length of time depends on your skin type but no matter what type it is you should avoid excessive sun tanning and sunburn.

If you spend a bit of time in the sunshine during recreational activities or maybe your working hours are outdoors then stay protected from UV rays. Wear clothing that shields your skin from the sun. Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim to protect the face. Wear sunglasses as the eyes can also be sensitive to UV rays. And always cover uncovered parts of the body with a good, high protection factor sunscreen.