Squamous cells can develop into which type of cancer?

Prepare for the IAC Red Set Science Bee Test. Review with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, and detailed explanations. Excel on test day!

Multiple Choice

Squamous cells can develop into which type of cancer?

Explanation:
Squamous cells are flat, scale-like epithelial cells that form the outer layer of the skin and line many internal surfaces. When these cells acquire mutations that let them grow uncontrollably, they can become squamous cell carcinoma. Because skin is rich in squamous cells and is commonly exposed to UV light that damages DNA, the cancer that develops most directly from these cells on the skin is skin cancer. While squamous cell cancers can occur in other tissues (like the lining of the lungs or esophagus), the link to skin makes skin cancer the best match here. Cancers arising from brain tissue and from lymphocytes involve different cell types, so they don’t fit as well.

Squamous cells are flat, scale-like epithelial cells that form the outer layer of the skin and line many internal surfaces. When these cells acquire mutations that let them grow uncontrollably, they can become squamous cell carcinoma. Because skin is rich in squamous cells and is commonly exposed to UV light that damages DNA, the cancer that develops most directly from these cells on the skin is skin cancer. While squamous cell cancers can occur in other tissues (like the lining of the lungs or esophagus), the link to skin makes skin cancer the best match here. Cancers arising from brain tissue and from lymphocytes involve different cell types, so they don’t fit as well.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy