Library · Neoplasm
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
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Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that starts in keratinocytes, the cells that make up nearly all of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. When those cells have already turned cancerous but are still confined within the epidermis, without crossing downward, the carcinoma is called in situ, meaning still in place. If they break through that boundary and reach the deeper tissue, it's called invasive.
The epidermis works here like the upper floor of a house: as long as the problem doesn't go down the stairs, it stays confined to that level. This carcinoma tends to show up on skin that has taken in years of sun, but to the naked eye it can look like other lesions. That's why looking isn't enough: to say something is a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the tissue has to be examined.
In brief
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer of keratinocytes, the main cells of the epidermis, the skin's outer layer.
In situ means the cancer cells remain confined to the epidermis. Once they cross that boundary into deeper tissue, the cancer is invasive.
It often arises in chronically sun-damaged skin, but it can look like other lesions. Confirmation requires examining a tissue sample, not appearance alone.
Sources (2)
- National Cancer InstituteSkin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
- National Library of MedicineSquamous cell skin cancer
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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