Summary
Definition
Cutaneous SCC is the proliferation of atypical, transformed keratinocytes in the skin with malignant behaviour. It ranges from in situ tumours (also known as Bowen's disease) to invasive tumours and metastatic disease. Precursor lesions for SCCs are called actinic (or sun-damage) keratosis.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Squamous cell carcinoma on the dorsal hand with evidence of extensive sun damageFrom the private collection of Dr Nwaneshiudu and Dr Soltani [Citation ends].
The management of metastatic disease is beyond the scope of the topic.
History and exam
Other diagnostic factors
- previous skin cancer
- bleeding
- crusting
- evidence of sun damage to skin
- tender or itchy non-healing wound originally caused by trauma
- erythematous papules or plaques
- thin, flesh-coloured or erythematous plaques
- dome-shaped nodule
- exophytic, fungating, verrucous nodules, or plaques
- ulcerated tumours
- lymphadenopathy
- bone pain
- hepatomegaly
- neurological signs
Risk factors
- ultraviolet radiation exposure
- solid organ transplant recipient
- immunosuppression
- Fitzpatrick skin phototype
- hereditary skin conditions
- older age
- male sex
- exposure to carcinogens
- actinic keratosis
- previous skin cancer
- exposure to ionising radiation
- human papillomavirus
- tobacco smoking
- use of thiazide diuretics or cardiac drugs
- tattoos
Diagnostic investigations
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Keyoumars Soltani, MD
Professor
Department of Medicine
Director of Immunopathology
Laboratory Section of Dermatology
The University of Chicago
Chicago
IL
Disclosures
KS declares that he has no competing interests.
Adaobi Nwaneshiudu Obasi, MD, PhD, FAAD
Medical Director, Dermatologist, and Dermatopathologist
Cutis Wellness Dermatology & Dermatopathology, PLLC
Preceptor
University of the Incarnate Word
Department of Family Medicine
Laredo
TX
Disclosures
ANO has received honorarium for lectures at 2020 Cynosure and PCCA meetings.
Acknowledgements
Prof K. Soltani and Dr A. I. Nwaneshiudu would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Carlos Paz and Dr Jessica M. Sheehan, the previous co-contributors to this topic.
Disclosures
CP and JMS declare that they have no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Catherine G. Chung, MD
Professor of Dermatology and Pathology
The Ohio State University
Wexner Medical Center
OH
Disclosures
CGC declares she has no competing interests.
Peer reviewer acknowledgements
BMJ Best Practice topics are updated on a rolling basis in line with developments in evidence and guidance. The peer reviewers listed here have reviewed the content at least once during the history of the topic.
Disclosures
Peer reviewer affiliations and disclosures pertain to the time of the review.
References
Key articles
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: squamous cell skin cancer [internet publication].Full text
Kim JYS, Kozlow JH, Mittal B, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Mar;78(3):560-78.Full text Abstract
Keohane SG, Botting J, Budny PG, et al. British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of people with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 2020. Br J Dermatol. 2021 Mar;184(3):401-14.Full text Abstract
Stratigos AJ, Garbe C, Dessinioti C, et al. European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline for invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: part 2. Treatment - update 2023. Eur J Cancer. 2023 Nov;193:113252.Full text Abstract
Reference articles
A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available here.
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