Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Genetic diversity within tumors predicts outcome in head and neck cancer

A new measure of the heterogeneity – the variety of genetic mutations – of cells within a tumor appears to predict treatment outcomes of patients with the most common type of head and neck cancer. In the May 20 issue ...

Cancer created May 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Risk factors ID'd for poor cutaneous cell CA outcomes

(HealthDay)—The risks of metastasis and death associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) are low, but significant, and risk factors for poor outcome include tumor diameter, invasion beyond ...

Cancer created May 17, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers discover possible trigger for spread of head and neck cancer cells

(Medical Xpress)—Very little has been known about the epigenetic events—developmental and environmental factors affecting genes—that occur prior to the invasive growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and their ...

Cancer created May 08, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

HPV leaves its mark in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a form of cancer that affects the cells lining the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, the base of the tongue, the tonsils, and the pharynx.

Cancer created May 01, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Surgery for nonfatal skin cancers might not be best for elderly patients

Surgery is often recommended for skin cancers, but older, sicker patients can endure complications as a result and may not live long enough to benefit from the treatment.

Cancer created Apr 29, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1

Researchers observe an increased risk of cancer in people with history of non-melanoma skin cancer

A prospective study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) observed an association between risk of second primary cancer and history of non-melanoma skin cancer in white men and women.

Cancer created Apr 23, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Misregulated genes common to tobacco-related cancers offer potential new prognostic tool

Believe it or not, while researchers have explored which genes are mutated in each type of tobacco-associated cancer, until now no one had thought to look across these types for common genes that might predict patient outcomes. ...

Cancer created Apr 09, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Researchers show that a promising drug can help prevent head and neck cancers

Head and neck cancers typically begin in squamous cells that line moist surfaces inside the mouth, nose and throat. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United ...

Cancer created Apr 09, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Researchers design drug to restore cell suicide in HPV-related head and neck cancer

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which the human papilloma virus (HPV) causes head and neck cancer, and they have designed a drug to block that mechanism. Though further research is needed, the new agent might ...

Cancer created Apr 08, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Comprehensive genomic analysis identifies alterations in head and neck cancer that could lead to targeted therapy

Not all head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) have the same pattern of genomic alterations, but those cancers with certain distinctive patterns could be amenable to specific targeted therapies, according to a researcher ...

Cancer created Apr 08, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Study tracks patterns of US cases of anal canal carcinoma

(HealthDay)—Available screening and identification of human papillomavirus likely contributed to the increased incidences of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) and anal carcinoma in situ (CIS) ...

Cancer created Apr 02, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Immortality gene mutation identifies brain tumors, other cancers

Newly identified mutations in a gene that makes cells immortal appear to play a pivotal role in three of the most common types of brain tumors, as well as cancers of the liver, tongue and urinary tract, according to research ...

Cancer created Mar 18, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Comparing combination therapies for advanced head and neck cancer shows no improvement

Locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is a potentially curable disease in nearly every patient at the time of diagnosis, yet despite the most aggressive efforts, up to 30-50 percent ...

Cancer created Mar 07, 2013 | popularity 1 / 5 (1) | comments 0

AAD: Complications of tattoos and tattoo ink discussed

(HealthDay)—Complications linked to tattoos and tattoo inks include allergic reactions, serious infections, and reactions that can be mistaken for skin cancer, according to information presented at the ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Mar 01, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

'Where you're treated matters' in terms of cancer survival

A study of older patients with advanced head and neck cancers has found that where they were treated significantly influenced their survival. The study, led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and published ...

Cancer created Mar 01, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0


Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC or SqCC) is a form of skin cancer. Skin cancers fall into two groups, melanoma and non-melanoma; squamous cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma cancer. It is one of the most common cancers in humans and other animals.

Squamous cells are a type of epithelium cell forming the outermost layers of the skin and some organs in the body. Squamous cell carcinoma usually occurs on the skin, especially portions commonly exposed to the Sun, the face, ears, neck, hands, or arm. The main symptom is a growing bump that may have a rough, scaly surface and flat reddish patches. It may also occur inside the body wherever squamous cells are found, including the esophagus, urinary bladder, prostate, lung, vagina, and cervix, among others.

Despite the common name, squamous cell carcinomas arising in different body sites can show tremendous differences in their presenting signs and symptoms, natural history, prognosis, and response to treatment.

Though the use of these terms has been decreasing in the literature, SqCC is still sometimes referred to as "epidermoid carcinoma" and "squamous cell epithelium". During its earliest stages, it is sometimes known as "Bowen's disease".

This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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