Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin epidemiology and demographics
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin Microchapters |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2], Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [3]
Overview
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common subtypes of skin cancer. Its main risk factors include prolonged exposure to sunlight and/or UV radiation. Most of the affected individuals are elderly.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Squamous cell carcinoma affects more than 200,000 people in the United States every year.
The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma varies with age, gender, race, geography, and genetics. The incidence of SCC increases with age and peak incidence is around 66 years old. Males are affected with SCC at a ratio of 2:1 in comparison to females. Caucasians are more likely to be affected by this disease, especially those with fairer skin and chronic exposure to UV radiation. There are also a few rare congenital diseases that predispose certaint patients to cutaneous malignancy. Incidence of SCC has also been found to increase with decreasing latitude (e.g. southern US, Australia). Tumors are more common on the left side of the US and on the right side of England. This is likely due to asymmetric sun exposure during driving. In certain geographic locations, exposure to arsenic in well water or from industrial sources may significantly increase the risk of SCC. [1]