What is dysplasia or squaamous cell carcinoma

Dysplasia (from Greek, roughly: "bad formation") is a term used in pathology to refer to an abnormality in maturation of cells within a tissue. This generally consists of an expansion of immature cells, with a corresponding decrease in the number and location of mature cells. Dysplasia is often indicative of an early neoplastic process. The term dysplasia is typically used when the cellular abnormality is restricted to the originating tissue, as in the case of an early, in-situ neoplasm. For example, epithelial dysplasia of the cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia - a disorder commonly detected by an abnormal pap smear) consists of an increased population of immature (basal-like) cells which are restricted to the mucosal surface, and have not invaded through the basement membrane to the deeper soft tissues. Myelodysplastic syndromes, or dysplasia of blood-forming cells, show increased numbers of immature cells in the bone marrow, and a decrease in mature, functional cells in the blood.
Dysplasia is characterised by four major pathological microscopic changes:


Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. Together with basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer, these two cancers are collectively referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Of the more than 1 million cases of skin cancer that will be diagnosed in the United States this year, about 20 percent will be SCC. Most cases of SCC will be caused by exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The risk of developing SCC increases when a person also has one or more of these risk factors:
Fair skin.
Blonde or red hair; blue or green eyes.
History of indoor tanning.
Diagnosed with actinic keratoses (AKs).
Family history of skin cancer.
Weakened immune system (immunosuppression).
Received radiation therapy.
History of exposure to coal tar products or arsenic.
The risk of developing SCC also increases with age because each exposure to harmful UV rays causes more damage to the skin. As this damage accumulates, the risk of developing skin cancer grows.

Dysplasia is a type of precancerous cell formation. The dna of the cells has been damaged and so the maturation of the cells has been altered. These cells can become cancerous and form tumors, or they may be destroyed or even revert back to non-pathogenic forms.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is a form of nonmelanoma skin cancer and is highly treatable. With early detection and proper treatment, SCC is curable. If it is allowed to progress, however, it can invade and destroy much of the tissue surrounding the cancerous tumor, which can be disfiguring. If you believe you have either of the two, you should see your doctor immediately.

This answer was edited by justins86 19 days ago.

Reason: Addendum