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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments

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Abstract

Malignant tumors of the epidermis are referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC is considered the most common human malignancy and the incidence of SCC has increased noticeably over previous decades. There are a number of factors (acquired and genetics) that can play a key role in predisposition to SCC. The initial manifestation of SCC is known as actinic keratosis and between 1 and 10% of AK progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The diagnosis of SCC, although easily made in typical cases, may sometimes be difficult. On this regard, dermatoscopic examination can play a central role to increase the specificity of the diagnosis of such lesions. A universally accepted staging system for risk stratification of cutaneous SCC is not yet available. The aim of the treatment of SCC can be stated simply as follows: to eliminate the disease, to secure the best functional and cosmetic results, and to avoid relapse. The treatment should take into consideration not only the SCC but also actinic keratosis from whom the SCC has originated. In this chapter, we go through epidemiological aspects, diagnosis, and treatments.

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Abbreviations

5-FU:

5-fluorouracil

AK:

Actinic keratosis

ALA:

5-aminolevulinic acid

AMM:

Melanotic melanoma

BCC:

Basal cell carcinoma

COX:

Cyclooxygenase

EGFR:

Epidermal growth factor receptor

NMSC:

Nonmelanoma skin cancer

PDT:

Photodynamic therapy

PpIX:

Protoporphyrin IX

PUVA:

Photochemotherapy

SCC:

Squamous cell carcinoma

SK:

Seborrheic keratosis

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Azienda Ospedaliera Tosacana Nord Ovest, Lucca, Italy

    Marta Grazzini

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Vincenzo De Giorgi

Authors
  1. Marta Grazzini
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  2. Vincenzo De Giorgi
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Andreas Syggros Hospital, Athens State University, Athens, Greece

    Andreas D. Katsambas

  2. Research Center CSRMR, Marconi University, Rome, Roma, Italy

    Torello M. Lotti

  3. Andreas Syggros Hospital, Athens State University, Athens, Greece

    Clio Dessinioti

  4. Dermatoloy Unit, Livorno Hospital, Livorno, Italy

    Angelo Massimiliano D'Erme

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Grazzini, M., De Giorgi, V. (2023). Squamous Cell Carcinoma. In: Katsambas, A.D., Lotti, T.M., Dessinioti, C., D'Erme, A.M. (eds) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_91

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15130-9_91

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-15129-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-15130-9

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