Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin overview
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Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin Microchapters |
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Differentiating Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin from other Diseases |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2], Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [3], Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [4]
Overview
Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of cancer of the carcinoma in the skin. It is a malignant tumor of epithelium that shows squamous cell differentiation. This type of cancer can be visualized if it is on the skin, lips, inside the mouth, throat or esophagus. It is characterized by red, scaly skin that turns into an open sore.
Historical perspective
Reports of non-melanoma cancer date back to biblical times. Percival Pott was the first person to report the malignant nature of squamous cell carcinoma in adolescent British chimney sweeps. This was the first described occupational and exposure-related risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. Later, other occupational and exposure associations were reported when there were reported incidences of squamous cell carcinoma in mule spinners, and it was therefore called mule spinner's disease. French surgeon Jean-Nicholas Marjolin, in 1828, first described this carcinoma arising in traumatic scars, and subsequently any squamous cell carcinoma associated with burns was termed ''Marjolin's ulcer''.
Classification
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a slow growing invasive non-melanoma skin tumour, which is caused mainly by prolonged exposure to sunlight and other forms of UV radiation. Patients undergo staging as a routine part of their diagnosis and treatment. Staging of the lesion assists the physician to choose which form of treatment strategy suits the patient.