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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen treated early, squamous cell carcinomas generally cause no problems. Untreated squamous cell carcinoma can destroy healthy tissue around the tumor, spread to the lymph nodes or other organs, and may be fatal, although this is uncommon.
People who have had organ transplants or have chronic lymphocytic leukemia or HIV/AIDS are far more likely to have an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma than are people who are otherwise healthy.
References
- 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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