Question: What Causes Squamous Cell Skin Cancer?
Answer: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) primarily develops in fair-skinned, middle-aged and elderly people who have had long-term sun exposure. SCCs may also occur where skin has suffered certain kinds of injury: burns, scars, long-standing sores, sites previously exposed to X-rays or certain chemicals (such as arsenic and petroleum by-products). In addition, chronic skin inflammation or medical conditions that suppress the immune system over an extended period of time may encourage development of the disease. Finally, those who have been diagnosed with SCC or other types of skin cancer previously are at a greater risk of recurrence. There are numerous less common risk factors for SCC as well.
Source:
"Squamous Cell Carcinoma." The Skin Cancer Foundation. 13 April 2009.
