Squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common cutaneous malignancy in the USA, accounting for 20% of non-melanoma skin cancers. Among Caucasians, it is the second most common cancer overall. Although the great majority of cases are cured by surgery or other treatments, deaths from SCC may be nearly as common as those from melanoma. Identification of patients at risk for untoward outcomes as well as clarity regarding appropriate staging and management, particularly of high-risk tumors, is imperative. This chapter discusses the current state of knowledge regarding the pathophysiology leading to cutaneous SCC, risk factors for its development, and the clinical spectrum of squamous dysplasia with particular attention given to high-risk and invasive disease. It provides an in-depth discussion of the available data regarding surgical and non-surgical management of cutaneous SCC, particularly of high-risk tumors.