What is SCC?
SCC is the abbreviation for squamous cell carcinoma antigen. It is a glycoprotein (i.e., a protein with sugar residues attached) found in squamous cells. Squamous epithelium is a layer of cells found on external and internal surfaces of the body. It forms a protective barrier and is found throughout the body.
When is SCC diagnosed?
Medical professionals determine SCC as a tumor marker in cancers that arise from squamous cells. Tumor markers are certain molecules, usually detectable by blood test, whose measured value increases in cancer. The measured values can be used to make statements about the prognosis and course of the disease.
The most common clinical application for the tumor marker SCC is cervical cancer. However, other, non-malignant diseases also influence the SCC level.
A conspicuous SCC measurement does not necessarily indicate cancer! It only serves as a supplement to other findings.
SCC standard value
Even a normal SCC value does not rule out (cancer) disease.
When is the SCC value too low?
There is no lower limit for SCC. The antigen is also present in normal (healthy) epithelial cells. So, in small amounts, SCC is also detectable in healthy people.
When is the SCC value too high?
All tumors that arise from squamous epithelium have a tendency to increase SCC. Elevated readings thus occur, for example, in:
- cervical cancer (cervical carcinoma)
- Lung cancer (bronchial carcinoma)
- esophageal cancer (esophageal carcinoma)
- Anal cancer (anal carcinoma)
- Carcinoma of the head and neck
In more than 90 percent of head and neck cancers and 80 percent of cervical cancers, the SCC level increases. Tumor marker levels increase with the stage of the disease.
SCC levels are therefore used as a tumor marker for follow-up. If the SCC level decreases during therapy, this is considered favorable for the prognosis. In contrast, patients whose SCC level remains elevated after treatment have an increased risk of relapse.
Various non-malignant diseases of the skin (e.g. eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis) and lungs (e.g. tuberculosis) as well as sarcoidosis and other diseases also cause elevated SCC values. For all these diseases, the SCC value is usually irrelevant in the clinic.
