We've got some wrong info going on here. Squamous refers to the type of tissue that something is occurring on, nothing more. So carcinomas that occur on the squamous cells of the body are SCC. Hyperplastic tissues are common. These are tissues that have grown at a fast (more than normal) rate. In the world of implants we frequently see patients who are prolific tissue growers around the neck of new implants, and the hyperplasia causes the tissue to grow up around the implant and get in the way of the crown fabrication. It is usually just removed with a cautery and may have to be done repeatedly. This is not disease. Leslie's definition of hyperkeratosis is correct. This is not irritation, though irritation can be a cause of hyperkeratosis in some cases. We have to be really careful that we are giving people accurate information here. Clearly SCC has a path of gradual changes that may or may not be detected as final malignancy develops. These steps are well documented and understood. But realize that anywhere along this path things may stay idle for years or never progress further. So having an early step in the process is no guarantee that it will become more. This does not mean that you should be complacent; it means that you have to keep you eye on things and if changes take place, reevaluate what the cellular issues are at that point in time. I have a plaque on the panel of my plane and it applies to this as much as it does to flying. Eternal vigilance or eternal rest.

Leukoplakia can continue transformation to cancer. But only about 25% of the time is this true. Nevertheless, I am an advocate of having it lasered off as a precautionary and proactive process. It often returns. I know people that have had repetitive, annual laser removal of this sometimes precancerous lesion.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.