Skin cancer pathophysiology

Skin cancer Microchapters

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
Actinic keratosis
Bowen's disease
Keratoacanthoma
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Merkel cell carcinoma
Kaposi's sarcoma
Angiosarcoma
Cutaneous B cell lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Sebaceous gland carcinoma

Pathophysiology

Causes

Epidemiology & Demographics

Risk factors

Screening

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

## Overview

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Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor which originates in epidermis, squamous mucosa or areas of squamous metaplasia.

## Pathology

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Macroscopically, the tumor is often elevated, fungating, or may be ulcerated with irregular borders. Microscopically, tumor cells destroy the basement membrane and form sheets or compact masses which invade the subjacent connective tissue (dermis). In well differentiated carcinomas, tumor cells are pleomorphic/atypical, but resembling normal keratinocytes from prickle layer (large, polygonal, with abundant eosinophilic (pink) cytoplasm and central nucleus). Their disposal tends to be similar to that of normal epidermis: immature/basal cells at the periphery, becoming more mature to the centre of the tumor masses. Tumor cells transform into keratinized squamous cells and form round nodules with concentric, laminated layers, called "cell nests" or "epithelial/keratinous pearls". The surrounding stroma is reduced and contains inflammatory infiltrate (lymphocytes). Poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas contain more pleomorphic cells and no keratinization.[1]

## References

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1. ↑ ""Squamous cell carcinoma (epidermoid carcinoma) - skin" pathologyatlas.ro". Retrieved 2007-07-21.

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