ABSTRACT
As a group, nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States, with more than 1.3 million cases in 2001 [1]. Approximately 20% of NMSCs are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) [2]. These are malignant tumors of the keratinizing cells of the epidermis or its appendages. They are locally invasive, and, unlike most basal cell carcinomas, may metastasize to other organs of the body. Although localized SCCs may be easily identified and cured by simple surgical excision, metastatic disease presents a therapeutic challenge and is associated with high mortality. It is therefore clinically significant to identify patient populations at particular risk for developing SCC, the clinical and histological features associated with recurrence and metastasis, as well as the efficacy of various preventive and therapeutic approaches. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of SCC.
