Squamous cell carcinoma
397007
221904948
2008-06-26T16:49:58Z
82.123.111.107
/* External links */ +reflist
{{DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = Squamous cell carcinoma, NOS |
Image = Squamous Cell Carcinoma.jpg |
Caption = SCC of the skin tends to arise from pre-malignant lesions, actinic keratoses; surface is usually scaly and often ulcerates (as shown here). |
ICD10 = C44 |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|173}} |
ICDO = {{ICDO|8070|3}} |
eMedicineSubj = derm |
eMedicineTopic = 401 |
MedlinePlus = 000829 |
}}
In [[medicine]], '''squamous cell carcinoma''' (SCC) is a form of [[cancer]] of the [[carcinoma]] type that may occur in many different organs, including the [[skin]], [[lip]]s, [[mouth]], [[esophagus]], [[urinary bladder]], [[prostate]], [[lung]]s, [[vagina]], and [[cervix]]. It is a malignant tumor of [[squamous epithelium]] ([[epithelium]] that shows [[squamous cell]] differentiation).
==Terminology==
[[Image:Squamous_cell_carcinoma.jpg|thumb|A large squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.]]
A carcinoma can be characterized as either [[Carcinoma in situ|''in situ'']] (confined to the original site) or ''[[Invasive (medical)|invasive]]'', depending on whether the cancer invades underlying tissues; only invasive cancers are able to spread to other organs and cause [[metastasis]].
==Sites==
===Skin===
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common [[skin cancer|cancer of the skin]] (after [[basal cell carcinoma]] but more common than [[melanoma]]). It usually occurs in areas exposed to the sun, and can generally be treated by [[excision]] only. Sunlight exposure and [[immunosuppression]] are risk factors for SCC of the skin. The risk of metastasis is larger than with basal cell carcinoma.
===Head and neck cancer===
[[Image:Oral cancer (1) squamous cell carcinoma histopathology.jpg|thumb|right|[[Biopsy]] of a highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth. [[H&E stain|Haematoxylin & eosin stain]].]]
Most cases of [[head and neck cancer]] (cancer of the mouth, nasal cavity, throat and associated structures) are due to squamous cell carcinoma. Symptoms may include a poorly healing [[mouth ulcer]], a hoarse voice or other persistent problems in the area. Treatment is usually with [[surgery]] (which may be extensive) and [[radiotherapy]]. Risk factors include [[tobacco smoking|smoking]] and [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol consumption]].
===Esophagus===
[[Esophageal cancer]] may be due to either squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) or [[adenocarcinoma]] (EAC). SCCs tend to occur closer to the mouth, while adenocarcinomas occur closer to the stomach. [[Dysphagia]] (difficulty swallowing, solids worse than liquids) and [[odynophagia]] are common initial symptoms. If the disease is localized, [[esophagectomy]] may offer the possibility of a cure. If the disease has spread, [[chemotherapy]] and radiotherapy are commonly used.
===Lung===
[[Image:Ca bronchus.jpg|thumb|right|Photograph of a squamous cell carcinoma. Tumour is on the left, obstructing the bronchus (lung). Beyond the tumour the bronchus is inflammed and contains mucus.]]
When associated with the lung, it often causes ectopic production of [[parathyroid hormone-related protein]] (PTHrP), resulting in [[hypercalcemia]].
===Prostate===
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.
===Vagina and cervix===
Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma spreads slowly and usually stays near the vagina, but may spread to the lungs and liver. This is the most common type of [[vaginal cancer]].
==Experimental treatments==
In 2007, Australian biopharmaceutical company Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited began [[clinical trials]] with a [[melanocyte-stimulating hormone]] called [[melanotan]] (known by the [[International Nonproprietary Name]] ''afamelanotide'', formerly CUV1647)<ref name="Clinuvel-INN">{{Cite web|url=http://www.clinuvel.com/resources/pdf/asx_announcements/2008/20080617WHOGenericName.pdf|title=World Health Organisation assigns CUV1647 generic name|accessdate=2008-06-17|publisher=Clinuvel|year=2008|format=[[Portable Document Format|PDF]]}}</ref> to provide [[photoprotection]] for organ transplant patients against squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and [[actinic keratosis]].<ref name="Clinuvel">[http://www.clinuvel.com/en/faqs/ Clinuvel » Investors » FAQs<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref name="PharmaAsia">[http://www.pharmaasia.com/article-6618-clinuvelsdrugbeginsglobalphaseiiskincancertrials-Asia.html PharmaAsia - Clinuvel’s Drug Begins Global Phase II Skin Cancer Trials]</ref>
==Related conditions==
* [[Keratoacanthoma]] is a low-grade malignancy of the skin. It originates in the [[sebaceous gland|pilo-sebaceous glands]], and is similar in clinical presentation and microscopic analysis to squamous cell carcinoma, except that it contains a central [[keratin]] plug. Statistically, it is less likely to become invasive than squamous cell carcinoma.
* [[Bowen's disease]] is a sunlight-induced skin disease, and is considered to be an early form of squamous cell carcinoma.
* [[Marjolin's ulcer]] is a type of squamous cell carcinoma that arises from a non-healing [[ulcer]] or burn wound.
==External links==
*[http://www.skincancer.org/squamous/index.php Information on Squamous Cell Carcinoma from The Skin Cancer Foundation]
*[http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic401.htm Article by Stephen D Hess, MD, PhD]
*[http://www.dermnetnz.org/lesions/squamous-cell-carcinoma.html DermNet NZ: Squamous cell carcinoma]
*[http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2004/9.4/2.html Squamous cell carcinoma in transplant recipients]
*[http://www.kidneycancerresource.com Including TCC, CIS and papillary tumour SCC]
==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}
{{Tumor histology}}
[[Category:Pathology]]
[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Types of cancer]]
[[de:Plattenepithelkarzinom]]
[[fr:Carcinome spinocellulaire]]
[[he:קרצינומת תאי קשקש]]
[[ja:扁平上皮癌]]
[[nl:Plaveiselcelcarcinoom]]
[[pl:Rak kolczystokomórkowy skóry]]
[[tr:Skuamöz hücreli karsinoma]]