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Squamous cell skin cancer

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Squamous cell skin cancer is a type of tumor that affects the middle layer of the skin.

Alternative Names:

Cancer - skin - squamous cell; Skin cancer - squamous cell

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Squamous cell cancer results when cells in the middle part of the skin start to change. The changes may begin in normal skin or in skin that has been injured or inflamed. Most skin cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. It is most often seen in those over age 50.

Risks for squamous cell skin cancer include:

• Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation
• Older age
• Having light-colored skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
• Chemical pollution
• A large number of x-rays
• Arsenic

Squamous cell cancer spreads faster than basal cell cancer , but still may be relatively slow-growing. It can spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs.

See also: Actinic keratosis

References:

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2006.

• Review Date: 2/12/2007
• Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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