Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type of head and neck cancer, arising from the flat cells lining the mucous membranes.
Full Definition
Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 90% of all head and neck cancers, developing from the squamous epithelial cells that line the mouth, nose, throat, and other areas. These cancers are strongly associated with tobacco and alcohol use, as well as HPV infection in certain anatomical sites. The term appears frequently in pathology reports and treatment protocols, requiring precise editorial handling to distinguish it from other carcinoma types.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify anatomical location when used in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The biopsy confirmed invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue with moderate differentiation." — pathology report
- "Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx often present with advanced disease." — clinical research paper
Also known as
SCC
Contrasted with
adenocarcinoma
sarcoma
Don't confuse with
basal cell carcinoma
adenocarcinoma