Comprehensive Overview of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that begins in squamous cells. Squamous cells are flat cells that form the surface of the skin and line many organs in the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma can develop in areas such as the:
- skin
- lungs
- mouth
- throat
- esophagus
- cervix
Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of cancer.
This guide explains what squamous cell carcinoma is, squamous cell carcinoma symptoms, causes, and treatment.
This information is educational only and not medical advice.
What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma begins when squamous cells develop DNA changes that allow them to grow uncontrollably and avoid normal cell death.
These abnormal cells multiply and form tumors.
Squamous cells protect surfaces of the body and are found in many tissues. Because of this, squamous cell carcinoma can develop in several parts of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a classification of cancer, not a single disease.
Examples include:
- skin squamous cell carcinoma
- lung squamous cell carcinoma
- throat squamous cell carcinoma
- esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Some squamous cell carcinomas grow slowly, while others grow more aggressively.
Where Squamous Cell Carcinoma Develops
Squamous cell carcinoma develops in tissues lined by squamous cells.
Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Skin squamous cell carcinoma usually develops on areas exposed to sunlight.
Common areas include:
- face
- ears
- neck
- hands
- arms
Symptoms may include:
- rough scaly patches
- raised growths
- sores that do not heal
- crusted areas
Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Lung squamous cell carcinoma develops in the airways of the lungs.
Symptoms may include:
- persistent cough
- chest pain
- coughing blood
- breathing difficulty
Smoking is a major risk factor.
Mouth and Throat Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma can develop in the mouth and throat.
Symptoms may include:
- mouth sores
- difficulty swallowing
- throat pain
- voice changes
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma can develop in the esophagus.
Symptoms may include:
- difficulty swallowing
- chest discomfort
- weight loss
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the cancer develops.
Early squamous cell carcinoma may cause no symptoms.
Common squamous cell carcinoma symptoms include:
- skin changes
- persistent sores
- lumps
- pain
- bleeding
Persistent symptoms should be medically evaluated.
How Squamous Cell Carcinoma Develops
Normal squamous cells:
- grow in a controlled way
- repair damage
- die when needed
Squamous cell carcinoma cells:
- grow continuously
- avoid cell death
- accumulate mutations
- invade tissue
Cancer cells may spread through:
- lymphatic system
- bloodstream
Common metastatic sites include:
- lymph nodes
- lungs
- bones
Causes and Risk Factors
Squamous cell carcinoma develops from genetic changes combined with environmental factors.
Sun Exposure
Ultraviolet radiation is a major cause of skin squamous cell carcinoma.
Repeated sun exposure damages DNA.
Smoking
Smoking increases risk for lung and throat squamous cell carcinoma.
Alcohol
Heavy alcohol use increases risk for throat and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV infection increases risk in some areas such as the throat and cervix.
Age
Risk increases with age.
Weakened Immune System
Reduced immune function increases risk.
How Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis may include:
- physical examination
- imaging scans
- biopsy
A biopsy confirms squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Treatment depends on location and stage.
Surgery
Surgery removes tumors when possible.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation destroys cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treats advanced disease.
Targeted Therapy
Targets specific cancer pathways.
Immunotherapy
Helps immune cells attack cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Stages
Stage 1
Cancer confined to original area.
Stage 2
Cancer has grown locally.
Stage 3
Cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
Stage 4
Cancer has spread to distant organs.
When Symptoms Need Medical Evaluation
Medical evaluation is important if symptoms include:
- sores that do not heal
- persistent cough
- lumps or growths
- bleeding
- persistent pain
Early detection improves outcomes.
Medical References
National Cancer Institute
https://www.cancer.gov
American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org
Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org
