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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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Synonyms

Epidermoid carcinoma

Definition

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor arising from non-glandular lining or covering epithelia.

Characteristics

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an invasive tumor which may present at numerous body sites, including the skin, ocular epithelium, oral cavity, alimentary tract, anogenital region, larynx, and bronchial epithelium. Thus, the incidence of SCC lesions varies with site. Estimates from the National Cancer Institute indicate that over one million new cases of skin SCC (skin carcinogenesis) will be diagnosed in the USA in 2007, representing 16 % of all types of skin cancer. Similarly, approximately 40,000 new cases of head and neck SCC (comprising the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx) occur each year. Squamous cell carcinoma is also one variety of non-small cell lung cancer, the annual incidence of which is 170,000. Anogenital SCC, comprising lesions of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus, is less frequent. Approximately 23,600...

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See Also

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Correspondence to W. Andrew Yeudall .

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Yeudall, W.A. (2014). Squamous Cell Carcinoma. In: Schwab, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27841-9_5462-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27841-9_5462-2

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-27841-9

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