Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Precursors

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second commonest skin cancer and arises from epidermal keratinocytes or its appendages. The incidence of SCC has increased over the last five decades and is predicted to rise significantly over the next decade. SCC is predominantly a disease of white populations and is especially prevalent in this group in areas of high ambient sun exposure. Predisposing factors include male sex, immune suppression (particularly in those who are organ transplant recipients), sun exposure and advanced age. Precursor lesions such as actinic keratosis and Bowen disease may often be present and patients are more susceptible to developing other UV radiation‐induced skin cancers. SCC has a low rate of metastasis but this increases with SCCs displaying high‐risk features. All SCCs should undergo full clinicopathological correlation and high‐risk SCCs should be managed within a multidisciplinary setting with adequate tumour clearance as the main outcome.