When should I consider referring a patient with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to a specialist for further evaluation or treatment?

Consider referring a patient with a skin lesion that raises the suspicion of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) via a suspected cancer pathway referral for further evaluation or treatment. This referral should be made when the lesion clinically suggests SCC, as prompt specialist assessment is important to ensure timely diagnosis and management.

In contrast to basal cell carcinoma, which usually warrants routine referral unless there is concern about lesion site or size, squamous cell carcinoma suspicion mandates urgent referral through the cancer pathway.