Basic
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
SCC
Also written as: SCC — Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Standard abbreviation for squamous cell carcinoma, a common non-melanoma skin malignancy arising from epidermal keratinocytes.
Full Definition
SCC is used universally in dermatology documentation as the shortened form of squamous cell carcinoma. Editors must ensure it is defined on first occurrence in any document intended for a non-specialist or lay audience. The abbreviation is case-sensitive and should always appear in full capitals. Confusion with 'small cell carcinoma' is possible in mixed oncology documents and must be flagged.
Usage
Usage note: Always expand on first use. In documents covering both skin and lung pathology, the author should disambiguate SCC explicitly.
In Context
- "Patients with longstanding actinic keratosis are at elevated risk of progressing to SCC." — Patient information leaflet
- "The MDT reviewed the SCC excision margins and recommended no further treatment." — Multidisciplinary team meeting minutes
Also known as
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Don't confuse with
small cell carcinoma (in oncology contexts)