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]]