Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Lung Cancer Overview
- Small Cell Carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Large Cell Carcinoma
- Bronchial Carcinoid Tumor
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a subtype of of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), characterized by the appearance of squamous cells: thin, flat cells that resemble "fish scales" under the microscope.
Patients are typically male, with a long history of smoking. Lesions are typically central (near hilar nodes), with cavitating lesions seen on X-ray or CT.
Notably, these tumors can ectopically secrete PTH-related protein (PTHrP),resulting in parathyroid-like hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia . Labs show increased calcium, decreased PTH (compensatory response to PTHrP), and low to normal vitamin D levels.
Pathology on tumor biopsies will reveal keratin pearls and intercellular bridges.
Find Squamous Cell Carcinoma and other Lung Cancer topics among Pixorize's visual mnemonics for the USMLE Step 1 and NBME Shelf Exams.