Cancer More Cancer Types What Is Squamous Cell Cancer? By Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP LinkedIn Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner and freelance healthcare writer with over a decade of medical oncology and hematology experience. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 19, 2021 Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Types Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Squamous cell cancer is cancer that develops from squamous cells, which make up the tissue on our skin, in the respiratory tracts, and in certain portions of the digestive system. They also line other organs such as the bladder, kidneys, and male and female reproductive tracts. When cancer develops in this type of cell, it is called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), or squamous cell cancer. FG Trade / Getty Images Types of Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCC can develop in multiple areas, including: Head and neckSkinEsophagusLungsMale and female genitals Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) develops in the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and throat. HNSCC is classified by its location: Oral cavity: When it occurs in the mouthOropharynx: When it occurs in the middle part of the throat near the mouthNasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: When it occurs in the space behind the noseNasopharynx: When it occurs in the upper part of the throat near the nasal cavityLarynx: When it occurs in the voiceboxHypopharynx: When it occurs in the lower part of the throat near the larynx Head and Neck Cancer Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCC of the skin typically develops on sun-exposed areas, such as the: FaceArmsHands Esophagus Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCC is one of the types of cancer that can develop in the esophagus, the tube that moves food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. SCC in the esophagus is typically in the upper to the middle part of the esophagus. Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCC of the lung is often found in the area in the center of the chest, close to the bronchus, the large airway that brings air into the lungs. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Reproductive Organs SCC can affect both the vagina and the penis: Cancer may develop in the vagina, usually close to the cervix, and is generally a slow-growing cancer.Cancer may develop anywhere on the penis. It’s most likely to develop in the area of the foreskin. Symptoms The symptoms experienced with SCC are different depending upon where the cancer is located. Symptoms of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Depending on the location, HNSCC can cause: Abnormal patches or open sores (ulcers) in the mouth and throatUnusual bleeding or pain in the mouthSinus congestion that does not clearSore throatEarachePain when swallowing, or difficulty swallowingA hoarse voiceDifficulty breathingEnlarged lymph nodes Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin Symptoms of SCC of the skin may include: Scaly, rough patchesNon-healing sores (ulcers)Patches with irregular bordersBrown spotsWart-like growths on the skin Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus Symptoms of SCC of the esophagus may include: Difficulty swallowingPain with swallowingChest painCoughHeartburnHoarse voiceWeight loss Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung Symptoms of SCC of the lung may include: Persistent coughCoughing up bloodDifficulty breathingChest painWeight lossFatigue Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Reproductive Organs SCC of the vagina may exhibit the following symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding or dischargePain with urinationPain in the pelvisPain during intercoursePersistent low back pain SCC of the penis may have symptoms of: A sore on the penisSkin thickeningPain in the penisSwelling or bumps under the skin of the penisPenile discharge or bleeding Causes There is no one specific known cause for cancer, as cancer develops due to abnormal DNA in a cell. However, some known risk factors may lead to the development of cancer. These include: Tobacco useBeing overweightAlcohol useUV radiation from the sunRadon exposureHPV virus Can a Virus Cause Cancer? Both DNA and RNA viruses have been shown to be capable of causing cancer in humans. This includes: Epstein-Barr virus Human papilloma virus Hepatitis B virus Human herpes virus-8 Diagnosis Cancer is often diagnosed while looking for the cause of a person’s symptoms. Imaging, such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan, may be done. When abnormal areas are found on imaging, a biopsy is then ordered. During a biopsy, tissue is taken from the abnormal area and sent to a laboratory for testing. The testing will determine if the tissue is cancerous. Treatment There are many ways to treat SCC, and the treatment is chosen based on where the cancer is located. Treatment may consist of: SurgeryRadiationChemotherapyImmunotherapyTargeted therapyCombination of the above Prognosis Some people who are diagnosed with SCC will be able to be cured of their disease, while some will not be. The average 5-year survival rates below are offered as information but should not be used as a prognosis, as survival rates vary based on many factors. Type of SCC Average 5-Year Survival Rate Oral or oropharynx 66% Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses 58% Nasopharynx 32% Larynx and hypopharnyx 60% Skin 99% Esophagus 47% Lung 19% Vagina 47% Penis 82% A Word From Verywell If you have symptoms that are concerning for cancer, it is normal to feel anxious until a cause of the symptoms is known. It is important to notify your healthcare provider about your symptoms, as outcomes for cancer are generally better if caught early. 10 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin cancer types: squamous cell carcinoma symptoms. National Cancer Institute. Esophageal cancer treatment. American Cancer Society. What is lung cancer? Cancer.net. Vaginal cancer: introduction. Cancer.Net. Penile cancer: introduction. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin cancer types: squamous cell carcinoma symptoms. Liao JB. Viruses and human cancer. Yale J Biol Med. 2006;79(3-4):115-122. American Cancer Society. How is cancer diagnosed? National Cancer Institute. Cancer treatment. Additional Reading American Cancer Society. Lung cancer survival rates. Cancer.Net. Esophageal cancer: statistics. Cancer.Net. Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer: statistics. Cancer.Net. Lung cancer - non-small cell: statistics. Cancer.Net. Nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer: statistics. Cancer.Net. Oral and oropharyngeal cancer: statistics. Cancer.Net. Penile cancer: statistics. Cancer.Net. Vaginal cancer: statistics. Farias TP, Dias FL, Lima RA, et al. Prognostic factors and outcome for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2003;129(7):794. doi:10.1001/archotol.129.7.794 By Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP Julie is an Adult Nurse Practitioner with oncology certification and a healthcare freelance writer with an interest in educating patients and the healthcare community. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies