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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer. The other common types of skin cancer are melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma rarely causes further problems when identified and treated early. Untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can grow large or spread to other parts of your body, causing serious complications.
Most squamous cell carcinomas result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or from tanning beds or lamps. Avoiding UV light as much as possible is the best protection against all types of skin cancer. Sunscreen is an important part of a sun safety program, but by itself doesn't completely prevent squamous cell carcinoma or other types of skin cancer.
- Squamous cell carcinoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation. http://www.skincancer.org/squamous-cell-carcinoma.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011.
- Detailed guide: Skin cancer — basal and squamous cell. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003139-pdf.pdf. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011.
- Lim JL. Epidemiology and clinical features of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011.
- Public health statement for arsenic. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/PHS/PHS.asp?id=18&tid=3. Accessed Feb. 18, 2011.
- Skin cancer treatment PDQ: Professional version. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/skin/HealthProfessional/AllPages/Print. Accessed Feb. 17, 2011.
- Common medications may increase sun sensitivity. The Skin Cancer Foundation. http://www.skincancer.org/common-medications-may-increase-sun-sensitivity.html. Accessed Feb. 18, 2011.
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