Last Updated on December 15, 2024 by Analgesia team
SCC Medical Abbreviation
SCC stands for squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that develops in the top layer of skin. SCC is most likely to appear on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, ears, lips, arms, hands, and legs. It can also appear on mucous membranes and genitals.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) |
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What it is |
A type of skin cancer that starts in the keratinocyte cells of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin
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Symptoms |
Raised growths that don’t heal, scaly red patches, open sores, or warts that crust or bleed easily. SCC can cause pain, nerve weakness, weight loss, voice changes, or earache. For SCC of the head and neck, you might also have a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the throat or mouth.
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Causes |
Ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunlight, tanning beds, or tanning lamps
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Treatment |
Surgical incision or Mohs surgery, depending on the size and location of the SCC
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Risk Factors |
Risk factors for SCC include tanning, sunburn, atypical moles, UV radiation, and photosensitivity.
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SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer in the United States, after basal cell carcinoma. It’s usually slow-growing and only spreads if left untreated for a long time. However, it can sometimes behave more aggressively and spread at an earlier stage.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, a biopsy, and sometimes imaging tests:
A dermatologist can diagnose it by examining the skin and taking a small sample, called a biopsy, to test in a lab