What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ?
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ, also called Bowen’s Disease, is a cancer of the squamous cells that has not yet become invasive. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common skin cancers, second only to basal cell carcinoma, and can affect any part of the body, especially those most exposed to sunlight, toxins, or human papillomavirus (HPV). Because it is not yet invasive, squamous cell carcinoma in situ is very treatable and can often be completely removed. A carcinoma is any cancer of the epithelial cells. Epithelial cells line the organs, including skin, make up some glands, and are one of the main cell types in the body. Squamous cells are a type of epithelial cell present in the inside of the mouth, skin, anal canal, vagina, tongue, urinary bladder, prostate, cervix, esophagus, lungs, and blood vessels.
