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• Conditions (37): Skin Cancer, Carcinoma, Melanoma, and 34 others Skin Cancer, Carcinoma, Melanoma, Basal cell carcinoma, Carcinoma, Basosquamous, Choriocarcinoma, Adenocarcinoma, Carcinoma, Transitional Cell, Cancer, Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, Squamous cell carcinoma of skin, Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Neoplasms, Benign Neoplasm, Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor, Carcinoma in Situ, Cancer of Head and Neck, Other and unspecified benign neoplasms, Bladder Cancer, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Mycosis Fungoides, Esophageal Cancer, Malignant tumor of colon, Other non-epithelial cancer of skin, Cancer; other and unspecified primary, Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's, Brain Cancer, Malignant neoplasm of stomach, Malignant neoplasm of urinary organ, unspecified, Lung Cancer, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Skin carcinoma, Carcinoma in situ of skin, Lichen Planus, Bronchogenic Carcinoma, nervous system carcinoma, Skin Neoplasms [hide]
• Groups (37): Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, Eczema, and 34 others Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, Eczema, Beckers Nevus, Lichen Planus, Lichen Sclerosis, Darier's Disease, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Granuloma Annulare, Brain Tumors, Alopecia Areata, Sweet Syndrome, Ovarian Cancer, Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia, Acne Rosacea, Liposarcoma, Bladder Cancer, Leiomyosarcoma, Pancreatic Cancer, Astrocytoma, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Burkitt's Lymphoma, Esophageal Cancer, Uterine Carcinosarcoma, Cholangiocarcinoma, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Brain Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Children of Cancer Victims and Survivors, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, Choriocarcinoma, Adenocarcinoma [hide]
• Symptoms (52): Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on face, Firm, red nodule on face, Firm, red nodule on hands, and 49 others Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on face, Firm, red nodule on face, Firm, red nodule on hands, Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on neck, Firm, red nodule on lips, Firm, red nodule on arms, Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on hands, Firm, red nodule on ears, Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on arms, Firm, red nodule on neck, Flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface on ears, Decreased DNA Integrity, Stomach problem, Esophagus problem, Granuloma Annulare, Angioedema, Alopecia Areata, neoplasm/cancer type, abnormal growth and differentiation, Raynaud's Disease and Phenomenon, Eye problem, Mental disorders, red skin rash, Hyperplasia, Hypoplasia, benign state, Scleroderma, Pheochromocytoma, Aplasia, NOS, Hypertrophy, Port-Wine Stain, Mole, Cholangiocarcinoma, Burkitt's Lymphoma, Hyperpigmentation, Photosensitizing Activity, psychological aspect of cancer, Klatskin Tumor, Host-Tumor Interaction, Myxoid Liposarcoma, Skin Findings, Concomitant or past diseases, Lipoma, CALCIUM DISORDER, Personal history of malignant neoplasm of trachea, Fear of cancer of skin, Infected finger/toe/paronychia, Communication impairment, Pathology processes, PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA AGGRAVATED, [V]Head, neck or trunk problems, Hamartoma [hide]
• Treatments (24): Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors, Bleomycin Sulfate, Bleomycin 15 UNT/ML Injectable Solution, and 21 others Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors, Bleomycin Sulfate, Bleomycin 15 UNT/ML Injectable Solution, Methoxsalen 10 MG/ML Topical Solution, BLEOMYCIN SULFATE 30 UNT, Radiation Therapy, Maintenance chemotherapy; radiotherapy, Methoxsalen, Procedures on Penis, hydroxyurea, Methoxsalen 10 MG, BLEOMYCIN SULFATE 15 UNT, METHOXSALEN 1 %, BLEOMYCIN SULFATE 3 UNT/ML, Bleomycin, Methoxsalen 10 MG Oral Capsule, Bleomycin 3 UNT/ML Injectable Solution, Relaxation of scar or web contracture of skin, Chemotherapy Regimen, Cholecalciferol, Cholecalciferol 400 UNT, hydroquinone 40 MG/ML Topical Cream, Prednisone 25 MG Oral Tablet, Surgical Procedures of the Conjunctiva [hide]

About Squamish Cell Skin Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, mouth, esophagus, prostate, lungs, and cervix. It is a malignant tumor of epithelium that shows squamous cell differentiation. Squamous cell carcinomas account for about 20% of... more

Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer of the carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, including the skin, mouth, esophagus, prostate, lungs, and cervix. It is a malignant tumor 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, genetic 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.

Squamous cell cancer can also occur after organ (e.g. heart, kidney) transplantation. Anti-rejection drugs, that ensure the organ is not rejected by the body, can also suppress the immune system. This can be a major factor towards squamous cell skin cancer.

When associated with the prostate, squamous cell carcinoma is very aggressive in nature. It is difficult to detect as there is no increase in prostate specific antigen levels seen; meaning that the cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

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