Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Definition
A squamous cell carcinoma is a skin cancer that originates from squamous keratinocytes in the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. Squamous is a term that indicates a surface with a scaly nature.
Description
Squamous keratinocytes are flattened, unpigmented skin cells in the middle of the epidermis. When they become cancerous, these cells invade the dermis (the layer of skin just below the epidermis) and spread out into the normal skin. They become visible as a small growth or area of change in the skin's appearance.
Most squamous cell carcinomas appear on areas that have been exposed to the sun: the head and neck, forearms, backs of the hands, upper part of the torso, and lower legs....
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