Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell lung cancer, also called epidermoid carcinoma, accounts for about 30 percent of all cases of non-small cell lung cancer. Squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma lung cancer is essentially cancer of the epithelial (surface) cells of the lungs or bronchi. As these cells divide, they form tumors, often lining the breathing passages.

Causes of Squamous Cell Lung Cancer

If you have developed squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma lung cancer, exposure to toxic substances might be to blame, even if you smoke or have smoked in the past.

Squamous cell lung cancer has a somewhat high recurrence rate. Even patients who are said to be in remission are at high risk for an epidermoid carcinoma relapse. The overall five-year survival rate for squamous cell lung cancer patients is 15 percent; for patients who are diagnosed and treated early, that rate can be as high as 50 percent.

Progression of Squamous Cell Lung Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma lung cancer or epidermoid carcinoma is a slow-spreading, slow-growing disease that develops in the central parts of the lungs. These tumors of epidermoid carcinoma can be confined to the lungs for years before they begin spreading outside of the chest cavity-making it much easier to treat squamous cell lung cancer than some other types of cancers.

In some cases—especially when the epidermoid carcinoma is advanced—squamous cell lung cancer cells can be carried to other parts of the body, such as the chest wall, heart, esophagus, or neck-through the blood or other bodily fluids and eventually grow in the brain, liver, bone, and adrenal glands.

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Lung Cancer

Symptoms of this squamous cell lung cancer may include shortness of breath, the coughing up of blood, fatigue, chest pains, and unexplained weight loss. Epidermoid carcinoma is typically treated with lung cancer surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Find a Lung Cancer Lawyer in Your Area

If you or a loved one has developed squamous cell carcinoma as a result to the exposure to a harmful substance, it is important to speak with an attorney to find out about potential legal entitlements. Use LawyerShop's directory to locate a lung cancer lawyer in your area.