Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A malignant tumour arising from epidermal keratinocytes, representing the second most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Full Definition
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originates in the squamous cells of the epidermis and can develop from precursor lesions such as actinic keratoses. It presents clinically as a firm, keratotic, or ulcerated plaque and carries a risk of metastasis, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Editors will encounter the term in histopathology reports, oncology letters, and dermatology discharge summaries. The full form should always be spelled out on first use; 'SCC' is the accepted abbreviation thereafter. It must not be conflated with basal cell carcinoma, which has a different cellular origin and prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate to 'SCC' only after first full use. Do not hyphenate. Capitalise each word as a proper diagnostic term.
In Context
- "The biopsy confirmed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with clear surgical margins." — Histopathology report
- "SCC arising on a background of chronic sun damage was excised with wide local margins." — Surgical dermatology letter