Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Full Definition

Papillary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a distinct histological variant of squamous cell carcinoma in which the tumour grows as finger-like or papillary projections supported by fibrovascular cores and lined by malignant epithelium. It predominantly affects the upper aerodigestive tract, including the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx. In oral and maxillofacial pathology reports, editors must distinguish PSCC from other exophytic carcinoma variants such as verrucous carcinoma (which lacks malignant cytology) and from benign papillomatous lesions. The WHO recognises PSCC as a specific variant; it should be rendered in full on first use, with 'PSCC' as the acceptable abbreviation thereafter. Its generally favourable prognosis relative to conventional SCC is a clinically significant detail that should not be altered by editorial paraphrasing.

Usage

Usage note: Expand to full form on first use; 'PSCC' is acceptable thereafter. Do not paraphrase in a way that removes the 'papillary' qualifier, as this changes the diagnostic entity.

In Context

• "Excision of the exophytic tonsillar lesion revealed a papillary squamous cell carcinoma with thin fibrovascular cores and overtly malignant surface epithelium." — Histopathology report
• "Editors should not conflate 'papillary squamous cell carcinoma' with 'verrucous carcinoma'; despite both being exophytic, they represent distinct diagnostic entities with different clinical behaviours." — Manuscript review note