Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form. However, squamous cell carcinoma is more common in African Americans.

The name "squamous" comes from the cells where the cancer grows. These cells are in the uppermost layer of skin cells. Squamous cell carcinoma usually grows slowly. In some cases it can grow fast and spread to other tissues in the body, usually initially through lymph nodes. It is rarely fatal if treated early, but can be lethal if it spreads beyond the skin.