Pictures of squamous cell carcinoma
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Dermatologist reviewed: Arturo Dominguez, MD, FAAD; Brittany Oliver, MD, FAAD. Reviewer bios.
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a firm, dome-shaped growth with a raised border.
Squamous cell carcinoma may look like a firm, dome-shaped growth that’s crusty and getting larger.
This scaly, dry-looking, rough skin (circled) is squamous cell carcinoma in situ, the earliest form of this skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma often looks like a rough, scaly patch that develops on skin that’s been exposed to lots of sun.
What looks like a scaly patch with areas of broken skin can be a squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a sore surrounded by raised skin.
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a non-healing sore.
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a growth that breaks open and bleeds.
The pink-brown spot on this patient’s face may look like an age spot, but it’s squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a growth of rough, scaly skin on your lip, which may also be painful or tender.
While the growth on this patient’s fingertip looks like a wart, it’s squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a pigmented growth that feels thick and rough.
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a raised and scaly patch on darker skin. Image courtesy of Carl V. Washington, MD, FAAD.
Squamous cell carcinoma can look like a horn growing out of the skin, and this horn can grow quickly.
These pictures are meant to give you an idea of what squamous cell carcinoma can look like. Keep in mind that you cannot rule out or know whether you have skin cancer by looking at pictures.
If you’re concerned about a spot or growth on your skin, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist. This doctor can examine your skin and tell you the appropriate next step to take.
Related AAD resources
Squamous cell carcinoma: From symptoms to treatment: Discover where this skin cancer can appear, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and who’s likely to develop it.
Squamous cell carcinoma: Outcome and life after treatment: Find out why most patients have a good outcome and what dermatologists tell their patients after treatment.
Advanced squamous cell carcinoma treatment: Learn what advanced means and about newer treatments that are giving patients hope.
Dermatologist reviewer bios
Arturo R. Dominguez, MD, FAAD
Dr. Dominguez is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Board-certified in both dermatology and internal medicine, he also serves as an attending physician on the internal medicine residency teaching service at Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas.
Born and raised in towns along the United States – Mexico border, Dr. Dominguez is dedicated to improving access to medical care in Latino communities. He volunteers monthly at the Agape Clinic in Dallas and performs free skin cancer checks at Latino health fairs.
At the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, which has a specialized clinic for transplant patients, he screens patients for skin cancer who are candidates for an organ transplant.
Dr. Dominguez is also involved in clinical trials. These trials focus on severe drug reactions and autoimmune blistering disorders. His research has been published in leading journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, JAMA Dermatology, and The British Journal of Dermatology.
Brittany Oliver, MD, FAAD
Dr. Oliver is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has extensive experience treating skin cancer and helping high-risk patients reduce their risk of developing skin cancer. This passion extends to helping everyone reduce their risk and find skin cancer early when it’s highly treatable. To this end, you’ll find her on social media, using science-backed facts to raise awareness. Her posts include tips to help people with darker skin tones find skin cancer earlier. Too often, people who have darker skin tones are diagnosed with skin cancer that has grown large or deep.
Dr. Oliver is regularly featured in online publications, including WebMD, Vogue, and The Wall Street Journal. Castle Connolly, known for its peer-reviewed lists of "Top Doctors," recognizes her as a Rising Star in dermatology.
Written by Paula Ludmann, MS
Paula has more than 20 years of experience writing about skin, hair, and nail conditions for patients and the public.
She enjoys developing easy-to-understand information that people can use to make informed health decisions.
Paula’s passion for creating patient-first information has led to her work being mentioned by Prevention magazine and the Washington Post. She has won numerous awards, including Webbies, Apex Awards, and several awards from professional organizations.
References
Anadolu-Brasie R, Patel AR, et al. “Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.” In Nouri K et al. Skin Cancer. McGraw Hill Medical, China, 2008:86-110.
Gloster HM Jr, Neal K. “Skin cancer in skin of color.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 Nov;55(5):741-60.
Güleç AT. “Diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma of the lip using dermoscopy.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Feb;76(2S1):S82-3.
Lansdorf AS, Hadaschik EN. “Squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma.” In: Kang S, Amagai M, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology (ninth edition). McGraw Hill Education, New York, 2019: 93, 1901-16.
Moore AY, Moore S. “Topical tirbanibulin eradication of periungual squamous cell carcinoma.” JAAD Case Rep. 2021 Jun 26;14:101-3.
Wells JW. “Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma clinical presentation.” Medscape. Last updated December 23, 2024. Last accessed October 1, 2025.
Image credits
Image 1, 2, 6, 8, 12: Used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology’s Clinical Image Collection.
Images 3, 7, 14: Produced with permission from ©DermNet www.dermnetnz.org 2025.
Images 4, 9: American Academy of Dermatology, National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides 4.0.
Images 5, 10, 11, 13: Used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology or JAAD Case Reports:
J Am Acad Dermatol 2018;79:860-8.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2017;76:S82-3.
JAAD Case Reports 2021;14:101-3.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2006;55:741-60.