Squamous dysplasia is altered epithelium with an increased likelihood of progressing to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Understanding Squamous Dysplasia
Squamous dysplasia, as defined by the WHO, is essentially an abnormal change in the cells lining a surface of the body (epithelium), specifically those that are squamous in nature. This alteration carries an increased risk of developing into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of cancer. The diagnosis is based on a combination of architectural and cytological abnormalities.
Key Characteristics
Squamous dysplasia exhibits a variety of abnormalities, which are assessed together to determine the grade of mucosal disorder. These abnormalities can be divided into two main categories:
- Architectural Abnormalities: These relate to the structure and organization of the cells.
- Cytological Abnormalities: These involve changes within the individual cells themselves.
Progression to Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The key concern with squamous dysplasia is its potential to progress to SCC. Because of this risk, identifying and managing squamous dysplasia is crucial in preventing cancer development.
