In medicine, squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, mouth, esophagus, lungs, and cervix. It is a malignant tumour of epithelium that shows squamous cell differentiation.

Squamous cell carcinomas account for about 20% of non-melanoma skin cancers, (with basal cell carcinomas accounting for about 80%), but are clinically more significant because of their ability to metastasize. Squamous cell carcinoma is usually developed in the epithelial layer of the skin and sometimes in various mucous membranes of the body. This type of cancer can be seen on the skin, lips, inside the mouth, throat or esophagus. This type of cancer is characterized by red, scaly skin that becomes an open sore.

When associated with the lung, it often causes ectopic production of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), resulting in hypercalcemia.

Squamous cell carcinoma strikes more than 200,000 people in the United States alone every year. Smoking is a significant risk factor. Other risk factors include sun exposure, radiation therapy, exposure to carcinogens, chronic skin irritation or inflammation, genetics diseases, and presence of premalignant lesions.

A carcinoma can be characterized as either in situ (confined to the original site) or invasive.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is often caused by long term exposure to the sun. To be diagnosed, a biopsy is done where a sample is taken and examined under a microscope. If it is found to be cancerous, a surgery is done to remove it.

External links

• Article by Stephen D Hess, MD, PhD
• DermNet NZ: Squamous cell carcinoma

Oncology | Dermatology | Types of cancer

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