In
Medicine , is a form of
Cancer of the
Carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs, including the
Skin , the
Esophagus , the
Lung s, and the
Cervix . It is a malignant tumour of
Epithelium that shows
Squamous Cell differentiation.
Squamous cell carcinomas account for about 20% of non-melanoma
Skin Cancer s, (with
Basal Cell Carcinoma s accounting for about 80%), but are clinically more significant because of their ability to
Metastasize . Squamous cell carcinoma is usually developed in the epithelial layer of the
Skin and sometimes in different mucous membranes of the body. This type of
Cancer can be seen on the skin, lips, inside the mouth, throat or
Esophagus . This type of cancer is characterized by red, scaly skin that becomes an open sore.
When associated with the lung, it often causes ectopic production of
Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein (PTHrP), resulting in
Hypercalcemia .
Squamous cell carcinoma strikes more than 200,000 people in the
United States alone every year. Smoking is a significant risk factor.
