Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Emergency care is also appropriate for severe breathing difficulty, collapse or another sudden serious symptom.
SCC itself rarely causes an immediate emergency.
And for anyone, someone who:
has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange a routine but prompt appointment if you notice:
A scaly patch, lump or sore that lasts for several weeks
A spot that repeatedly crusts, bleeds or fails to heal
A growth that is becoming larger, firmer or more painful
A new change within a scar, burn or long-standing ulcer
A change near a previous SCC treatment site
Contact your treatment team promptly if a treated area becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, or produces pus.
These can be signs of infection.
Also seek prompt assessment for a new lump near the affected area, such as in the neck, armpit or groin.
Seek urgent medical help if bleeding from a skin growth or surgical wound does not stop with firm, continuous pressure.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Squamous cell type skin cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.