# data[].attributes.body
Second most common type of skin cancer. As the name suggests, they form in the epidermis from the flat, scale-like, squamous cells. Consists of 20% of non-melanoma skin cancers.

# data[].attributes.body
Can be caused by exposure to sunlight, X-Rays, and arsenic/other chemicals.  Can also be tied to age, especially in those over the age of fifty, however, it is becoming more and more common in the younger generations. Conditions that weaken the immune system also increase risk.

# data[].attributes.body
Genetics can play into how likely you are to develop this skin cancer as well as other types. Those with parents or siblings with skin cancer can be at an increased risk. Those that have been diagnosed with skin cancer are also at an increased risk for developing the disease again. Hereditary conditions that affect the skin's pigment or repairing abilities can also cause increased risk.

# data[].attributes.body
Those with light skin, eyes, and hair are most at risk for squamous cell carcinoma. Men are about three times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma than women are.

# data[].attributes.body
General signs are new spots or growths that increase in size, have irregular or discolored borders, or if they're multicolored. Signs specific to squamous cell carcinoma are rough, scaly, or crusty lumps that grow in size, and slow growing patches that are reddish in color.

# data[].attributes.body
Lifestyle can also affect how much risk you are at for skin cancer. Those who smoke are more likely to develop this kind of cancer, especially on the lips. Some chemicals such as arsenic, tar, coal, paraffin and some types of oil can increase risk.

# data[].attributes.body
A fast growing cancer.  Can invade the fatty tissues underneath the basal cells.

# data[].attributes.body
To prevent skin cancer limit UV exposure, use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, do all you can to prevent sunburns, avoid tanning booths (cancer boxes), and self examine your skin once a month.

# data[].attributes.body
Most often found on areas of the body that are exposed to heavy sunlight such as the back of hands, the ears, face, and neck, but it can also be found in other areas such as ulcers, scars, and the genital region.

# data[].attributes.body
Stage 0- Cancer is limited to the epidermis and has not spread yet to the dermis.

Stage 1- Cancer is less than 2 cm and is less than an inch across.  Hasn't spread to the lymph nodes or organs.

Stage 2- Cancer is larger than 2 cm across and has not spread to organs or lymph nodes, or a tumor of any size with 2 or more high risk features.

Stage 3- Cancer has spread into facial bones or 1 lymph node, but has not spread to any other organs.

Stage 4- Cancer can be any size and has spread to 1 or more lymph nodes. Larger than 3 cm and may have spread to bones or other organs in the body.

# data[].attributes.body
Stage 0- laser surgery, local excision (cutting off), or skinning.

Stage 1- Surgical excision

Stage 2- Removal of infected lymph nodes and/or radiation therapy.

Stage 3- Surgical excision, removal of infected lymph nodes, radiation, and possibly chemotherapy.

Stage 4- Remove as much of the cancer as possible, removal of infected lymph nodes, radiation, chemotherapy, and possibly the removal of some organs that can be lived without.

# data[].attributes.body
Eighty-five percent disease specific survival over three years. This DDS was 100% for those with zero risk factors compared to 70% for those with one or more risk factors.

# data[].attributes.body
www.cancercenter.com
www.sciencenetlinks.com
www.asopubs.org
www.skincancer.org