Squamous epithelial cancer of the skin
Schönberg, B.; Hunziker, T.; Braathen, L.R.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique 50(12): 817-821
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5930 PMID: 8171403 Document Number: 418011
The cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant skin tumor that arises from epithelial keratinocytes and shows some degree of maturation towards keratin formation. After the basal cell carcinoma, it is the second most common form of skin cancer. The occurrence of cutaneous SCC is usually related to the cumulative exposure to ultraviolet light. Therefore, older people are primarily affected, and the main sites are on the head and on the back of the hands. People with fair skin, especially those who sunburn easily but tan poorly, are at increased risk. Other risks factors are exposure to ionizing radiation or chemical carcinogens as well as some chronic inflammatory or degenerative conditions like scars and chronic ulcers. Immunocompromised patients also are at increased risk. This tumor is curable, the main approach is surgical. But in addition to the danger of local tissue destruction, some tumors have a significant rate of metastasis. Once metastasis on lymph nodes or distant sites has occurred, the chances for cure are greatly diminished.