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BestHealth Home > Health Encyclopedia > Disease Reference > Disease

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Bowen
Bowen's disease on the hand		Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma		Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma		Skin cancer, squamous cell - close-up
Skin cancer, squamous cell - close-up		Skin cancer, squamous cell on the hands
Skin cancer, squamous cell on the hands
 
Squamous cell carcinoma - invasive
Squamous cell carcinoma - invasive		Cheilitis, actinic
Cheilitis, actinic		Squamous cell cancer
Squamous cell cancer
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer   (Spanish Version)  

Definition:

Squamous cell skin cancer is a type of tumor that affects the skin.



Alternative Names:

Cancer - skin - squamous cell; Skin cancer - squamous cell



Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Squamous cell cancer occurs when cells in the skin start to change. The changes may begin in normal skin or in skin that has been injured or inflamed. Most skin cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. Skin cancer is most often seen in people over age 50.

Risks for squamous cell skin cancer include:

  • A large number of x-rays
  • Arsenic
  • Chemical exposure
  • Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation
  • Having light-colored skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
  • Older age

Squamous cell cancer spreads faster than basal cell cancer, but still may be relatively slow-growing. Rarely, it can spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs.

See also: Actinic keratosis



References:
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2006.
Review Date: 8/12/2009
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, MD, North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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