Squamous cell carcinoma affects squamous epithelial tissue that covers areas like the lungs, mouth, and esophagus. It often presents as an ulcer or reddish plaque with hard raised edges and thickened skin around it. Squamous cell carcinoma tends to arise in areas of chronic inflammation or pre-malignant conditions and is associated with sun exposure, immunosuppression, tobacco, and HPV. Treatment options include surgical excision for tumors less than 4cm or other local therapies like photodynamic therapy, topical chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

1. Squamous Cell
Carcinoma

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
 Affects squamous epithelial tissue
 Squamous cells are large and flattened and
cover linings such as: lung, mouth,
oesophagus and

3. Signs and Symptoms:
 Often asymptomatic
 Ulcer or reddish plaque that grows slowly
 Presents as ulcerated lesion with hard raised
edges with thickening skin, surrounding
erythema – hard nodules ulcerate
 Intermittent bleeding from tumour

4. SCC…….
 SCC’s tend to arise in pre-malignant areas
 Areas of chronic inflammation – solar keratosis,
burns, chronic ulcers, leucoplakia and Bowen’s
disorder
 Affects ear, lip, oral cavity, tongue, genitalia,
oesophagus, bladder and lungs
 Associated with HPV

5. Bowen’s Disease:
 SCC-in-situ. Slow-growing red brown scaly
plaque.
 Full thickness dysplasia which may progress
to SCC
 Rx = Cryotherapy, topical 5-fluorouracil or
photodynamic therapy

6. Risk Factors:
 Sunlight exposure
 Immunosupression
 GORD
 Tobacco
 Alcohol
 Betel nut

7. Management:
 Surgical excision = best  >4cm surgical
margin
 Photodynamic therapy: Application of
photosensitisers to target area – becomes
toxic when activated
 Topical chemotherapeutic agents – 5-
fluorouracil
 Radiotherapy
 Cutterage and electrodessication