Final answer:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in situ is a localized type of skin cancer that affects the squamous cells in the epidermis, often presenting as lesions. It is commonly treated by surgical removal and rarely metastasizes when detected early. A visual example can be a lesion on the nose as shown in medical images.
Step-by-step explanation:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer that arises from squamous cells found in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. SCC is characterized by lesions that are often scaly or crusted and can appear as firm, red nodules or flatter, crusty areas. These cancers are typically slow-growing and rarely metastasize, meaning they infrequently spread to other parts of the body, making them primarily a localized condition that can often be effectively treated with surgical removal. One distinct form of SCC is SCC in situ, which refers to cancer that has not yet spread beyond the epidermis.
SCC may present as a lesion on an individual's nose. In comparison to other forms such as basal cell carcinoma, SCC is more likely to incur some risk of localized tissue destruction but still has a lower likelihood of metastasis, especially when diagnosed and treated early. The key characteristic of SCC in situ is that it is confined to the epidermis and has not invaded deeper tissues or spread to distant sites.