Cancer · UKMLA & AKT
Squamous cell carcinoma
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise squamous cell carcinoma — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Malignant tumour of keratinocytes arising on squamous epithelium-lined sites - most commonly sun-damaged skin
- Second most common skin cancer in the UK after BCC - but overtakes BCC to become the most common skin cancer in immunosuppressed patients (e.g. solid organ transplant recipients)
Solid organ transplant recipients (particularly renal transplant) are 65-250 times more likely to develop SCC than the general population - due to long-term immunosuppression impairing immune surveillance of malignant keratinocytes. SCCs in transplant recipients arise earlier, grow faster, and metastasise more readily.
Unlock the full Squamous cell carcinoma revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (4 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), 10 practice questions, mock exams and AI tutoring. Start free.