Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), also known as squamous cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that originates in the squamous cells of the skin and has different stages according to the involved cellular layer. In the early stage, the process begins with chronic sun exposure, leading to DNA damage in the squamous cells of the epidermis. Initiating in pre-cancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis, occurring in the outermost layers of the epidermis. In the intermediate stage, squamous cells undergo additional mutations, becoming cancerous but still restricted to the epithelial layer without invading deeper structures. While it is only in the epidermis, it is considered carcinoma in situ, as it is confined to this cellular layer and has not invaded the basement membrane. In the advanced stage, cancer cells invade the deeper layers of the epidermis, crossing the basement membrane, becoming basal cell cancer, and can reach the dermis. After reaching the dermis, cancer cells have the potential to spread to distant areas from the primary site, where the metastasis process begins and occurs, potentially affecting regional lymph nodes and other organs. In addition to the layers of the skin, cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs, forming metastases that are cellular copies of their site of origin. At all stages, it is crucial to emphasize that the progression of squamous cell carcinoma involves progressive genetic mutations that confer malignant characteristics to the cells. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve recovery prospects. Furthermore, prevention by avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and adequate sun protection plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing this type of cancer. Therefore, the present study aims to present a clinical case report on Labial Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the main considerations for preparing health professionals for the identification and diagnosis of LSCC.