squamous cell carcinoma

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squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) n. any cancer of squamous epithelium. SCC is the second commonest form of skin cancer (after basal cell carcinoma), occurring usually in late-middle and old age. Sunlight is the commonest cause: SCC is mainly found on areas exposed to light and is more common in men than in women. It spreads locally at first but later may spread to sites distant from its origin (see metastasis). Treatment is usually by surgical excision or radiotherapy.