Squamous Cell and Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin. Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common non-melanoma skin cancers and at the same time two most common skin malignancies overall. BCC develops mainly as a result of excessive exposure to UV or ionizing radiation, with a characteristic mutational signature of tandem CC to TT transitions, while SCC is more associated with chronic immunosuppression, chronic wounds and ulcers, and some viral infections. Several hereditary conditions have also been shown to increase the risk of developing these cancers. Most patients with primary BCC or SCC of the skin have excellent prognosis. SCCs tend to be more aggressive than BCCs but they rarely metastasize. As these tumors may produce substantial local damage and disfigurement, the therapeutic approaches are customized for each patient. Even though surgery is often the most effective curative procedure, other treatment regimens are also possible, including radiotherapy as well as using cytotoxic and/or targeted molecular therapies.