squamous cell carcinoma

American

noun

Pathology.

a carcinoma that arises from squamous epithelium in the skin and sometimes in the mucous membranes.

squamous cell carcinoma Scientific

/ skwā′məs,skwä′- /

Any of various carcinomas that arise from a kind of flat, scaly epithelial cell, found in organs such as the skin, cervix, oral cavity, larynx, and vulva. Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is associated with sun exposure.

Etymology

Origin of squamous cell carcinoma

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The drug, INBRX-106, showed positive results in a Phase 2 trial for patients with metastatic or unresectable recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

They tracked each patient's next diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2025

Campbell was diagnosed in October with squamous cell carcinoma, Michaela Campbell previously told People.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2023

Kildee, 64, said he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma that was detected very early by doctors and that he will have surgery in a few weeks to remove it.

From Washington Times • Mar. 31, 2023

Her cancer, metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma, accounts for less than 2% of cases.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023