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Squamous cell skin cancer - Overview

Alternative Names

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

Definition of Squamous cell skin cancer:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Squamous cell cancer occurs when cells in 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. Skin cancer is most often seen in people over age 50.

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (also called Bowen's disease) is the earliest form of squamous cell cancer. The cancer has not yet invaded surrounding tissue. It appears as large reddish patches (often larger than 1 inch) that are scaly and crusted.

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin lesion. In rare cases it may become a squamous cell cancer.

Risks for squamous cell skin cancer include:

  • Having light-colored skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
  • Long-term, daily sun exposure (such as in people who work outside)
  • Many severe sunburns early in life
  • Older age
  • A large number of x-rays
  • Arsenic
  • Chemical exposure

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

  • Reviewed last on: 8/12/2009
  • Jonathan Kantor, MD, North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

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

Basal cell and squamous cell cancers: NCCN Medical Practice Guidelines and Oncology:V.1.2009. Accessed July 15, 2009.

Hexsel CL, Bangert SD, Hebert AA, et al. Current sunscreen issues: 2007 Food and Drug Administration sunscreen labeling recommendations and combination sunscreen/insect repellant products. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59:316-323.

Lautenschlager S, Wulf HC, Pittelkow MR. Photoprotection. The Lancet [Early online publication], May 3, 2007.

Ridky TW. Nonmelanoma skin cancer. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57:484-501.

Wood GS, Gunkel J, Stewart D, et al. Nonmelanoma skin cancers: basal and squamous cell carcinomas. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Nierderhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone;2008:chap 74.

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