Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma

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Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma
Synonyms	cSCC
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Skin lesion, ulcer, scaly skin
Complications	Metastasis, local tissue destruction
Onset	Typically in older adults
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Ultraviolet light exposure, immunosuppression
Risks	Sun exposure, fair skin, history of skin cancer
Diagnosis	Skin biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Basal-cell carcinoma, melanoma, actinic keratosis
Prevention	Sun protection, avoidance of tanning beds
Treatment	Surgical excision, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment, but can be aggressive
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp

Squamous cell carcinoma of scalp, excision specimen

Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma

Histopathology of squamous cell carcinoma in situ

Cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a type of skin cancer that originates from the squamous cells in the epidermis, the skin's outermost layer. It is the second most common type of skin cancer, following basal cell carcinoma.

Causes

The primary cause of cSCC is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or from tanning beds. Other risk factors include having light-colored skin, a history of sunburns, a weakened immune system, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Symptoms

cSCC often appears as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. It is most commonly found on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cSCC typically involves a skin biopsy, in which a small sample of skin is removed and examined under a microscope. If cSCC is confirmed, additional tests may be performed to determine the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

Treatment options for cSCC depend on the size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and topical medications. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for cSCC include protecting the skin from the sun, avoiding tanning beds, and regularly checking the skin for signs of cancer.

Gallery

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  Micrograph of squamous cell carcinoma in situ - 100x
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  Micrograph of squamous cell carcinoma in situ - 400x
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  Bowen disease
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  Bowen disease
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  Bowen disease
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  Bowen disease
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  Gross pathology of squamous cell carcinoma

See also

• Skin cancer
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Melanoma
• Actinic keratosis
• Mohs surgery