Squamous cell skin cancer - Overview

Definition of Squamous cell skin cancer:

Squamous cell skin cancer is a type of tumor that affects the skin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Squamous cell cancer results when cells in the skin start to change. The changes may begin in normal skin or in skin that has been injured or inflamed. Most skin cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Skin cancer is most often seen in people over age 50.

Risks for squamous cell skin cancer include:

• A large number of x-rays
• Arsenic
• Chemical exposure
• Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation
• Having light-colored skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
• Older age

Squamous cell cancer spreads faster than basal cell cancer, but still may be relatively slow-growing. It can spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs.

See also: Actinic keratosis