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3. Who is at risk for squamous cell carcinoma?

Risk factors for SCC include

  • Fair skin, blue eyes, or blond hair
  • Excessive exposure to sunlight (UV radiation)
  • Using tanning beds
  • A history of serious sunburns
  • Past diagnoses of precancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratosis
  • An immune system compromised by chronic disease or disorders
  • Age over 50
  • History of human papilloma virus

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder that makes people extremely sensitive to UV radiation. People who carry this gene have a greatly increased risk of developing SCC, basal cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is also more common in males.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: From Diagnosis to Prognosis Linda Raymond / Getty Images

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