Whats the difference between Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor of epidermal keratinocytes that invades the dermis, usually occurring in sun-exposed areas. Local destruction may be extensive, and metastases occur in advanced stages. Diagnosis is by biopsy. Treatment depends on the tumor’s characteristics and may involve curettage and electrodesiccation, surgical excision, cryosurgery, or, occasionally, radiation therapy. Squamous cell cancer spreads faster than basal cell cancer, but still may be relatively slow-growing. It can spread (metastasize) to other locations, including internal organs. Basal cell carcinoma is a superficial slowly growing papule or nodule that derives from epidermal basal cells. Metastasis is rare, but local growth can be highly destructive. Diagnosis is by biopsy. Treatment depends on the tumor’s characteristics and may involve curettage and electrodesiccation, surgical excision, cryosurgery, or, occasionally, radiation therapy. Basal cell carcinoma starts in the top layer of th
