Skin cancers
Cancer types
Squamous cell skin cancer
Melanoma, basal and squamous cell skin cancers, and Merkel cell carcinoma.
Melanoma, basal and squamous cell skin cancers, and Merkel cell carcinoma.
This map explains squamous cell skin cancer step by step: what it is, the types, the tests, the stages, the treatment and its side effects.
Tap any topic on the map to read about it. Topics with an arrow open more topics.
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Why this matters: high-risk cancers need more treatment after surgery.
Small (under 2 cm), thin, well-differentiated, not on the ear or lip. Usually cured by surgery.
Larger than 2 cm, deep, poorly differentiated, growing along nerves, on the ear or lip, in a scar, or in someone with a weak immune system.
Tap a test on the map to see why it is done.
Please wait for all the reports. Why we wait
Confirms the diagnosis, depth and whether the cancer is growing along nerves.
Examination of the nearby lymph nodes; ultrasound and a needle test (FNAC) of any enlarged node.
For high-risk or large cancers, to check depth, bone, nerves and lymph nodes.
Before starting chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, these tests check that you are fit for treatment, and give a starting point to compare with later.
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| CBC (complete blood count) | Haemoglobin, white cells and platelets. Treatment can lower them. |
| RFT (kidney function) | Many medicines are cleared by the kidneys; the dose may need to change. |
| LFT (liver function) | Many medicines are processed by the liver. |
| Viral markers: HBsAg, anti-HCV, HIV | Hepatitis B can flare up during treatment. If positive, a tablet is given to prevent this. |
| Blood sugar (and HbA1c if diabetic) | Steroids given with chemotherapy can raise blood sugar. |
| ECG and 2D Echo | Check the heart rhythm and pumping before treatment, as some medicines affect the heart. |
Before immunotherapy, also:
| Test | Why it is done |
|---|---|
| Serum TSH (thyroid) | Immunotherapy can affect the thyroid gland. |
| Serum cortisol (morning sample) | Immunotherapy can affect the adrenal and pituitary glands. |
Sometimes needed, depending on your treatment:
Your doctor will choose the tests that apply to you. Some of them are repeated during treatment.
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Only in the skin. Most are cured with surgery.
Spread to nearby nodes, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. Still curable with surgery and radiotherapy.
Too large to remove safely, or spread to distant organs.
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Side effects: surgery · radiotherapy
Side effects: surgery · radiotherapy · immunotherapy
After an organ transplant, immunotherapy can cause rejection of the transplanted organ. This needs careful discussion with the transplant team.
Side effects: immunotherapy
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During immunotherapy: loose stools more than 4 times a day, breathlessness, yellow eyes or severe tiredness. A red, hot or discharging wound. All need urgent care.
This information is general. Your own treatment plan may be different. Please discuss it with your doctor.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr Prathyusha Eaga, MD, DM (Medical Oncology). Last reviewed: 12 October 2026. Based on NCCN and ESMO guidelines.
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