Squamous cells

Squamous cells are flat, thin cells that form the outermost layer of your skin and line the surfaces of various organs inside your body. Their flattened, scale-like shape provides an effective protective barrier for the tissues underneath.

Where are squamous cells normally found?

Squamous cells cover many body surfaces, both externally and internally. They make up the surface layer of your skin and are also found lining the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, cervix, anus, and vagina. These areas require protection from damage caused by environmental exposure, friction, and infection.

What do squamous cells do?

The main role of squamous cells is to act as a protective barrier. On the skin, they prevent germs and harmful substances from entering the body, while internally, they protect the surfaces of organs from injury and infection. Squamous cells continuously renew themselves, replacing old or damaged cells to maintain the integrity of this protective barrier.

What types of cancer arise from squamous cells?

Squamous cell carcinomas are cancers that start from squamous cells. They can develop anywhere squamous cells are found, commonly in the skin (often due to sun exposure), mouth, throat, lungs, cervix, anus, and vagina. Squamous cell carcinomas can vary in their behavior; some grow slowly, while others can be aggressive and spread quickly.

What do squamous cells look like under a microscope?

Under a microscope, squamous cells appear flat and thin, resembling scales. They have a central nucleus (the part of the cell containing genetic material) surrounded by a small amount of clear cytoplasm. When healthy, these cells are arranged neatly in layers. In squamous cell carcinoma, however, the cells become abnormal, often appearing irregularly shaped, disorganized, and crowded.