Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin occurs in keratinocytes, which are located in the epidermis.

Second most common nonmelanoma skin cancer worldwide, secondary to basal cell carcinoma.

Cumulative ultraviolet exposure and immunosuppression are major risk factors.

Treatments include nonsurgical destruction (e.g., using cryotherapy), topical and systemic chemotherapy, traditional surgical excision, radiation, and Mohs micrographic surgery.

Neoadjuvant treatment with cemiplimab or adjuvant treatment with either cemiplimab or pembrolizumab may be considered for patients with advanced SCC.

Cutaneous SCC is the proliferation of atypical, transformed keratinocytes in the skin with malignant behavior. It ranges from in situ tumors (also known as Bowen disease) to invasive tumors and metastatic disease. Precursor lesions for SCCs are called actinic (or sun-damage) keratosis.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Squamous cell carcinoma on the dorsal hand with evidence of extensive sun damageFrom the private collection of Dr Nwaneshiudu and Dr Soltani [Citation ends].