Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (782 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A non-melanoma skin neoplasm that is one of the three principal types of skin cancer. It often presents as a hard lump or ulcer and is more likely to metastasize than basal cell carcinoma.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Squamous Cell Skin Cancer; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Non-Melanoma Skin Neoplasms
- Narrower topics
- Bowen's Disease
Related concepts
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 2,321 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma” (counts retrieved 2026-10-29). 434 of them (18.7%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 917 records.
Reviews account for 311 records (13.4%) and meta-analyses for 13. Randomized controlled trials number 29 (1.2%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 917 |
| 2000-2009 | 478 |
| 2010-2019 | 492 |
| 2020 onward | 434 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 311 | 13.4% |
| Meta-analyses | 13 | 0.6% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 29 | 1.2% |
Method: PubMed query "Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-29.
Reading the evidence in cancer and oncology
Cancer research spans very different kinds of evidence. Laboratory studies in cell lines and animal models reveal mechanisms but often do not translate to patients. Early-phase trials mainly test safety and dosing, while phase 3 randomized trials and their meta-analyses are the usual basis for treatment conclusions. Outcomes also differ in meaning: tumour shrinkage, progression-free survival and overall survival are not interchangeable, and screening studies can be distorted by lead-time and overdiagnosis. When reading a result, check the cancer type and stage studied, the comparison treatment, and which outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Superficial photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid for superficial primary and secondary skin cancer [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Between January 1991 and December 1992 a phase I trial of superficial photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical application of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) was undertaken to treat Bowen's disease, superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and metastatic skin secondaries from breast (adenocarcinoma) or pinna (squamous cell carcinoma).
- Closing excerpt
- Further work is required to improve the results with BCCs.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (168 words)
Between January 1991 and December 1992 a phase I trial of superficial photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical application of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) was undertaken to treat Bowen's disease, superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and metastatic skin secondaries from breast (adenocarcinoma) or pinna (squamous cell carcinoma). Promising results were obtained with 36 areas of Bowen's disease, with a complete response rate of 89% at a median follow-up of 18 months. The treatment of BCCs was less successful, with 50% complete responses in 16 lesions at a median follow-up of 17 months. Metastatic nodules responded poorly. The treatment was well tolerated and discomfort during light irradiation could be reduced by prior application of 'Emla' cream. Lesions wept for 1-2 weeks following treatment and healed over a period of approximately 2 months. For large areas of Bowen's disease, particularly in anatomically difficult areas and in elderly patients, PDT using ALA may constitute a single simple alternative outpatient treatment to existing therapies. Further work is required to improve the results with BCCs.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 8123497 · DOI · PMC1968847
Arsenic-Induced Carcinogenesis and Immune Dysregulation [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Arsenic, a metal ubiquitously distributed in the environment, remains an important global health threat.
- Closing excerpt
- These findings offer evidence for illustrating the mechanism of arsenic-related immune dysregulation in the progression of carcinogenesis, and this may help explain the nature of multiple and recurrent clinical lesions in arsenic-induced skin cancers.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (182 words)
Arsenic, a metal ubiquitously distributed in the environment, remains an important global health threat. Drinking arsenic-contaminated water is the major route of human exposure. Exposure to arsenic contributes to several malignancies, in the integumentary, respiratory, hepatobiliary, and urinary systems. Cutaneous lesions are important manifestations after long-term arsenic exposure. Arsenical skin cancers usually herald the development of other internal cancers, making the arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis a good model to investigate the progression of chemical carcinogenesis. In fact, only a portion of arsenic-exposed humans eventually develop malignancies, likely attributed to the arsenic-impaired immunity in susceptible individuals. Currently, the exact pathophysiology of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis remains elusive, although increased reactive oxidative species, aberrant immune regulations, and chromosome abnormalities with uncontrolled cell growth might be involved. This review discusses how arsenic induces carcinogenesis, and how the dysregulated innate and adaptive immunities in systemic circulation and in the target organs contribute to arsenic carcinogenesis. These findings offer evidence for illustrating the mechanism of arsenic-related immune dysregulation in the progression of carcinogenesis, and this may help explain the nature of multiple and recurrent clinical lesions in arsenic-induced skin cancers.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31374811 · DOI · PMC6696092
Long-term recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer after topical methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in a dermato-oncology department [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundMost available studies on the efficacy of topical photodynamic therapy focus on short-to medium-term results.
- Closing excerpt
- Younger age and Bowen's disease were independent predictors for long-term recurrence, suggesting the need to establish an extended period of follow-up for this subset of patients.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (212 words)
BackgroundMost available studies on the efficacy of topical photodynamic therapy focus on short-to medium-term results. Long-term data are scarce.ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term efficacy of photodynamic therapy with topical methylaminolevulinate to treat Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinoma in the clinical practice setting of a dermato-oncology department.MethodsThe study included patients diagnosed with Bowen's disease or basal cell carcinoma, and who received photodynamic therapy from 2004 to 2008. Treatment protocol and clinical follow-up were standardized. The primary endpoint was clinically observed recurrence in a previous photodynamic therapy-treated area. Descriptive and survival analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 31 Bowen's disease lesions and 44 superficial basal cell carcinoma were treated, with a median follow-up of 43.5 months. Recurrence was observed in 14 Bowen's disease lesions (53.8%) and in 11 superficial basal cell carcinoma (33.3%). Significantly higher estimates for recurrence rates were found in patients with Bowen's disease (p=0.0036) or those aged under 58 years (p=0.039). The risk of recurrence was higher in patients with Bowen's disease than in those with superficial basal cell carcinoma and younger patients.ConclusionsRecurrence should be considered when choosing to treat non-melanoma skin cancer with photodynamic therapy. Younger age and Bowen's disease were independent predictors for long-term recurrence, suggesting the need to establish an extended period of follow-up for this subset of patients.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 26734866 · DOI · PMC4689073
Sirolimus for Secondary Prevention of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at increased risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), particularly when treated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), which are strongly associated with tumorigenesis.
- Closing excerpt
- Trial Registration: PROSPERO number: CRD42024583966.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (220 words)
Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at increased risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), particularly when treated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI), which are strongly associated with tumorigenesis. In contrast, mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus have demonstrated antitumor activity, but their role in secondary prevention of cSCC remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of switching from a CNI-based to an mTOR inhibitor-based immunosuppressive regimen on the incidence of cSCC in KTRs with prior cSCC. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and trial registries were searched through June 2025. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for cSCC and risk ratios (RRs) for adverse events (AEs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane RoB2. The study was registered in PROSPERO prior to data extraction (CRD42024583966). The study was unfunded. Four RCTs (393 patients) were included. Sirolimus significantly reduced 2-year cSCC incidence (IRR 0.51, 95% CI 0.39-0.67). However, discontinuation was more frequent (RR 8.60, 95% CI 1.95-37.93) due to AEs. No significant differences in mortality or graft rejection were found. Certainty of evidence was high for cSCC incidence and low for adverse events due to heterogeneity and selective reporting. In conclusion, sirolimus reduces secondary cSCC risk but increases AEs; patient selection and monitoring are essential. Trial Registration: PROSPERO number: CRD42024583966.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41546605 · DOI · PMC13067330
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article European guidelines for topical photodynamic therapy part 1: treatment delivery and current indications - actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease, basal cell carcinoma [5]
- Research article Photodynamic Therapy: A Clinical Consensus Guide [6]
- Research article British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease) 2014 [7]
- Research article Guidelines for management of Bowen's disease: 2006 update [8]
- Research article Bladder and bowel dysfunction in Parkinson's disease [9]
- Research article Bowenoid papulosis of the penis [10]
References
- Cairnduff F, Stringer MR, Hudson EJ, Ash DV, Brown SB. Superficial photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid for superficial primary and secondary skin cancer. . 1994. PMID 8123497 · DOI · PMC1968847
- Huang HW, Lee CH, Yu HS. Arsenic-Induced Carcinogenesis and Immune Dysregulation. . 2019. PMID 31374811 · DOI · PMC6696092
- Cabete J, Rafael M, Cravo M, Moura C, Sachse F, Pecegueiro M. Long-term recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer after topical methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in a dermato-oncology department. . 2015. PMID 26734866 · DOI · PMC4689073
- Foerster Y, Palaras J, Mayer K, Biedermann T, Persa OD. Sirolimus for Secondary Prevention of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. . 2026. PMID 41546605 · DOI · PMC13067330
- Morton CA, Szeimies RM, Sidoroff A, Braathen LR. European guidelines for topical photodynamic therapy part 1: treatment delivery and current indications - actinic keratoses, Bowen's disease, basal cell carcinoma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2013. PMID 23181594 · DOI
- Ozog DM, Rkein AM, Fabi SG, Gold MH, Goldman MP, Lowe NJ, et al.. Photodynamic Therapy: A Clinical Consensus Guide. Dermatol Surg. 2016. PMID 27336945 · DOI
- Morton CA, Birnie AJ, Eedy DJ. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease) 2014. Br J Dermatol. 2014. PMID 24313974 · DOI
- Cox NH, Eedy DJ, Morton CA, Therapy Guidelines and Audit Subcommittee, British Association of Dermatologists. Guidelines for management of Bowen's disease: 2006 update. Br J Dermatol. 2007. PMID 17199561 · DOI
- Sakakibara R, Uchiyama T, Yamanishi T, Shirai K, Hattori T. Bladder and bowel dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2008. PMID 18327532 · DOI
- Wade TR, Kopf AW, Ackerman AB. Bowenoid papulosis of the penis. Cancer. 1978. PMID 361215 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-29.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.